The Latest Breaking News from Economic and Social Research Council

Post Office scandal: why thousands of victims are yet to see justice

Following the ITV drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office, which aired on January 1 2024, UK prime minister Rishi Sunak stated he intends to introduce legislation to ensure those convicted as a result of the Post Office scandal are “swiftly exonerated and compensated”.

The Conversation · Jan 12, 2024

Rosebank shows the UK's offshore oil regulator no longer serves the public good

In a four-line statement announcing the approval of the new Rosebank oil field 80 miles west of Shetland, the UK’s offshore oil and gas regulator showed its mission no longer serves the public good.

The Conversation · Oct 2, 2023

ADHD more strongly linked to anxiety and depression compared to autism – new research

Autistic people and people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often experience anxiety and depression. When these conditions occur together, though – as they often do – it can be hard to unpick which one is contributing the most to poor mental health. Our latest study aimed to find out.

The Conversation · Jan 24, 2023

To address climate change, lifestyles must change – but the government's reluctance to help is holding us back

Without changes to people’s behaviour and lifestyles, it will be impossible for the UK to reach net zero emissions by 2050. But the government is failing to put in place the conditions that would enable this to happen – or even recognise its relevance in cutting emissions and meeting climate…

The Conversation · Oct 13, 2022

How a new and improved furlough scheme could help the UK tackle recession and economic uncertainty

The UK economy is on the brink of a recession while also experiencing weeks of financial volatility following the launch of the government’s unfunded growth plan last month.

The Conversation · Oct 11, 2022

Universities call for a tuition fee rise – here's what that would mean for students and taxpayers

University vice-chancellors in England and Wales have recently called for an increase in tuition fees.

The Conversation · Sep 2, 2022

Four ways Brexit and the loss of free movement have made life harder for mixed British-European families

Brexit and the end of free movement between the UK and the EU has had notable consequences for family life, particularly for mixed British-European families whether they are living in the UK or Europe. Family members who before Brexit held common status as EU citizens now find they have different…

The Conversation · Jul 29, 2022

Boris Johnson: four key insights from recent polls can help us see where the crisis is heading

Boris Johnson has been called a Heineken politician – he can reach parts of the public other politicians cannot. Yet scandal after scandal amid worsening economic conditions and a swathe of strikes has left the country with a hangover. The public and, most importantly for Johnson, the Conservative party, are…

The Conversation · Jul 6, 2022

Effect of lockdowns on birth rates in the UK

Many wondered whether the COVID lockdowns would lead to a baby boom or a bust. We finally have some answers – for the UK, at least.

The Conversation · Apr 21, 2022

Student loans: would a graduate tax be a better option?

The UK government has announced plans to change the system of student loans in England, which will increase the amount of repayments collected from future graduates.

The Conversation · Mar 30, 2022