Why has Unemployment and Inflation Fallen in the UK

In the past 15 years, unemployment has fallen from a peak of 3 million to under 900,000. The claimant count shows that the % unemployed is close to 3% a big drop from 10% in 1992. The Labour Force Survey also shows a drop in unemployment, although it does shows a slightly higher rate of unemployment (4.5%). Inflation has also fallen in the UK. CPI inflation is currently 2.1% very close to the government's target of 2%. This low inflation rate is in contrast to the 70s and 80s when inflation was often in double figures

Reasons for the fall in Unemployment

1. Long Period of Economic Growth.

The UK has experienced the longest period of economic growth on record. Growth has been close to the long run trend rate of 2.5%, this stable growth has enabled firms to expand and create employment. It is also important that the growth has been sustainable. The UK has largely avoided the boom and bust economic cycles which characterised the 1970s and 1980s.

2. Flexible Labour Markets

There has been increased labour market flexibility which has enabled some workers to get a job. For example, there are more part time and temporary jobs, these flexible job contracts have encouraged firms to offer more employment; however, it is also been suggested that the employment created is less permanent. Proponents of the flexible labour market argue that higher unemployment in France and Spain show that flexible labour markets are important for keeping inflation low

3. Decline in Structural Unemployment

The lower unemployment in the UK is partly due to improvements in education and training and geographical immobility. Better training has held fill up labour shortages. The New Deal has also played a role in encouraging and motivating people to get back to work. It is hard to quantify how much this has actually reduced unemployment but it is likely to be significant.

Why is Inflation Also Low

Quite often a fall in unemployment leads to a rise in inflation. This is what Phillips curve analysis predicts. However, the UK economy has enabled a fall in unemployment without causing inflation. This is due to several factors.

1. The growth has been sustainable.

The MPC have avoided an economic boom. Aggregated Demand has increased at a similar rate to Aggregate Supply and this has enabled inflation to be kept under control.

2. Global Inflation is low.

The UK's low inflation has been helped by low global inflation. Until recently, commodity prices have not been increasing. But, the main factor is the downward pressure on prices from developing countries like China. Helped by better technology and low labour costs many goods, especially electronic goods, are experiencing falling prices.

More on Inflation Predictions in the UK

Forecast for the Future.

The slowdown in house prices and global growth could cause a slowdown in growth. At the moment, the prospects for a recession are limited as the economy is still growing reasonably well; the MPC have also room to cut interest rates if necessary, to boost aggregate demand.

If the economy slows down, inflationary pressures should fall. Although quite recently the MPC warned of rising cost push inflation from energy prices and food prices. This could lead to both higher inflation and higher unemployment.

More on: Inflation Predictions in the UK

US Marines - A Strong History Of Bravery And Service

The United States Marines are a highly specialized branch of the U.S. Military, known for their rapid deployment and amphibious warfare abilities. The mission of the Marines is triple-pronged; to defend or seize naval bases and other land operations as needed, to develop equipment and tactics that will advance the capabilities of amphibious landing forces, and to perform other duties as directed by the President.

Created on November 10, 1775 as the Continental Marines, this small force originally consisted of infantry soldiers who served aboard naval vessels, defending the ship, engaging in combat during landing and boarding actions, and manning any raiding parties.

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