Research Briefing

This briefing paper looks at drug crime prevalence in England and Wales and the criminal justice outcomes for those found guilty of drug offences. It also covers the impacts of drug misuse.

New Zealand held a General Election on Saturday 17 October 2020, with advance voting beginning two weeks earlier, on 3 October. Originally planned for 19 September, the election was postponed due to Covid-19.

This briefing looks at trends in the value of the UK National Minimum Wage, the number of jobs paid at the National Minimum Wage and how the National Minimum Wage compares internationally.

On 23 September 2020, the House agreed to make the proxy voting scheme permanent, following the Procedure Committee's review of the pilot scheme. It also extended the proxy arrangements for public health reasons relating to the pandemic.

This paper tracks the evolving impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the labour market.

To support the self-employed through the coronavirus outbreak the Government has introduced the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 creates a five year period between general elections. Early elections may only be held in specified circumstances. The Prime Minister has to make arrangements for a review of the Act between June and November 2020.

Financial Indicators: Data from FTSE100, as well as oil prices and gold prices.

This briefing looks at the failure of London Capital & Finance Plc (LCF) and the consequences for those who invested in the firm's 'mini-bonds'.

Retail sales: key indicators on the value of retail sales.

Manufacturing: Data on manufacturing jobs, output and producer confidence.

Service industries: Data for the sector that incorporates the retail sector, the financial sector, the public sector, business administration and cultural activities.

In 2019 about 14.4% of the UK population was from a minority ethnic background. How is this reflected in politics and public life?