Official figures show that over a fifth of UK working-age adults are not working or seeking work. The UK economic inactivity rate was 21.5% in the last three months, a decrease from previous periods. Despite this, the government is implementing plans to boost economic growth, focusing on getting more people into work.
Recent controversies arose over government plans to cut sickness and disability benefits, sparking criticism from various groups. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall acknowledged the challenges in getting more people employed in the UK.
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The Office for National Statistics highlighted caution in interpreting job figures due to low response rates. However, economic inactivity has generally decreased since 1971, despite a rise during the pandemic. Wage growth continues to surpass inflation, with various sectors experiencing strong growth.
The Bank of England closely monitors pay and job data for interest rate decisions, with the latest announcement expected to maintain rates at 4.5%.
Vocabulary List:
- Inactivity /ˌɪn.ækˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/ (noun): The state of being not active; lack of movement or activity.
- Implementing /ˈɪm.pləˌmen.tɪŋ/ (verb): Putting a decision or plan into effect.
- Controversies /ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.siːz/ (noun): Disputes or disagreements often involving differing opinions.
- Challenges /ˈtʃæl.ɪn.dʒɪz/ (noun): Difficulties or obstacles that require a solution or effort to overcome.
- Growth /ɡroʊθ/ (noun): The process of increasing in size amount or importance.
- Statistics /stəˈtɪs.tɪks/ (noun): Numerical data that describe characteristics of a group or phenomenon.
How much do you know?
What was the UK economic inactivity rate in the last three months?
Who acknowledged the challenges in getting more people employed in the UK?
What is the expected interest rate decision by the Bank of England?
Which group criticized the government plans to cut sickness and disability benefits?
According to the Office for National Statistics, what has generally decreased since 1971?
What sector continues to surpass inflation in terms of growth?
The UK economic inactivity rate has been increasing steadily since 1971.
The government plans to boost economic growth primarily by reducing job opportunities.
The Bank of England makes interest rate decisions based on pay and job data.
There was no controversy regarding government benefits cuts.
Wage growth in the UK is currently lower than inflation.
Low response rates make interpreting job figures easier.
The UK economic inactivity rate was % in the last three months.
The latest expected interest rate decision by the Bank of England is %.
The Office for National Statistics noted caution in interpreting job figures due to response rates.
Wage growth continues to surpass in the UK.
The government is implementing plans to boost economic growth by getting more people into work.
Economic inactivity has generally decreased since despite a rise during the pandemic.
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