Friday 25 November 2005

London and its colonies

I've reported on this a couple of times before. From my copy of a UK professional journal received today I have analysed the job vacancies by location.

In percentage terms we get:

London 43
Home Counties 38
Midlands 6
Southwest 4
Northwest 3
Scotland 3
Overseas 3

So, 83% of the UK jobs are in London and the "Home" Counties. Home to whom, we may ask.

As it happens, I noted another fascinating item in the book that I mentioned on Tuesday. According to Chris Carter of the British Property Foundation: "The UK is unique among the world's major economies in the degree of control exercised by central government, which receives over 95% of all taxation." I reiterate my contention that the unhealthy domination of the UK by the southeast is not the result of market forces but is caused by the centralising policies of politicians.

1 comment:

David Farrer said...

Comments made on previous template:


Gordon
I saw Jonny Ball find the balance point of the UK when I was younger. I believe it was in Blackburn, Lancashire. I lived there for a while. I guess being the nations capital might improve it but I suspect it is beyond help.

1 December 2005, 17:21:25 GMT
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David Farrer
81% of the total but 83% of the UK jobs.

30 November 2005, 16:35:49 GMT
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Lurker
Shouldnt that be 81% for London and the Home counties.

30 November 2005, 14:05:11 GMT
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David Farrer
Besides, Glasgow is too cold and wet! 
 
Not if you stay in the pub! 
 
Actually, I'd be reasonably happy with Manchester as UK capital, even if it's down south - the mid-point being Kendal. The reason that I picked Glasgow is because the UK is so southern orientated (especially with mainland Europe being close) that the greatest benefit would be by moving the capital as far north as possible. Probably not as far as Caithness though. That's really cold.

29 November 2005, 18:34:16 GMT
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Steve
Come on, Manchester's about half way up. It's as near to the centre as you can get. 
 
Besides, Glasgow is too cold and wet!

29 November 2005, 14:11:31 GMT
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David Farrer
I agree Steve, although one can't help noticing that Manchester is in the south of the UK. What's wrong with Glasgow?

28 November 2005, 15:20:33 GMT
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Steve
I reckon the only answer is to move the capital to, say, Manchester. It would shift a chunk of government spending at a stroke. London could survive without the government and civil service and it would reduce the pressure on housing down here. 
 
Half of the G8 countries have their business and government centres in different cities and the Japanese are seriously considering moving the government from Tokyo. Moving he capital is the only way I can see that will re-balance the country. It would also be worth it, just to see all the media luvvies having to move up to Manchester to follow the news.

28 November 2005, 15:10:03 GMT
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dearieme
The decisions in industry that are made by strict rational economic analysis are things like how thick the lagging on a pipe should be. Stuff like whether the firm's headquarters should be in London are made by the Chairman's wife.

26 November 2005, 23:34:49 GMT
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Ken
And none to the north-east of England, either...

26 November 2005, 13:18:54 GMT