Panmure Liberum is a leading force in UK Investment Banking

For the last twenty-five years the UK has had a positive story to tell on jobs. Between 2000 and 2025 the UK economy delivered an employment rate of 73%, this compares to a 70% employment rate over the preceding twenty-five years. Working age inactivity has also been lower, averaging 22.4% over the last quarter of a century. This compares to 23.6% between 1975 and 2000. Whatever accusations can be levelled at the UK economy in recent years - and the list is unfortunately quite extensive - a lack of jobs is not one. ​

By Simon French, Chief Economist and Head of Research 

Next month marks ten years since Vote Leave launched one of the most highly effective slogans in UK political history. ‘Take Back Control’ was unveiled in February 2016 and quickly defined the UK’s EU Referendum campaign.

The left flank of UK politics is limbering up for a big year in 2026. Disquiet with the speed of progress by the current Labour government is being amplified by sluggish economic growth. Last week we learnt the UK economy had contracted by 0.1% during last three months. There is now a significant body of Labour MPs who believe the government’s economic policies are on the wrong path. Only time will tell whether the coterie of advisers that surround the left have learnt anything from the important case study that was, and remains, the 2022 Mini Budget.