@econ-observatory.bsky.socialPrime Minister Andy Burnham has promised 'growth in every postcode', but is the UK on track? In his new article, Will Shepherd finds that while every larger region grew in 2024, nearly a third of local authorities saw output shrink.
@econ-observatory.bsky.socialPISA 2025 reported the lowest average scores the OECD has ever recorded in reading, mathematics, and science.
Although the UK has shown a considerable deterioration in Reading and Mathematics, students' performance in Science has soared.
@econ-observatory.bsky.socialUK GDP grew 0.4% in the three months to July, and services alone added to growth. ONS puts professional services and information and communication among the biggest contributors, and says many of the largest-turnover IT firms work in AI and cloud computing.
@econ-observatory.bsky.socialUK 15-year-olds clear the OECD average in both maths and reading. Of the 90 countries and economies in PISA 2025, the UK sits 463 points above the OECD average in maths and 461 points above in reading, near Canada, Japan, Korea, and Estonia.
@econ-observatory.bsky.socialUK employers have significantly reduced job advertisements. The number of vacancies declined to 707,000 between May and July 2026. According to reports to the ONS, higher labour costs and increased operating expenses are constraining hiring activity.