Economic Growth (Edexcel A Level Economics A): Exam Questions

Extract D

The productivity puzzle in the UK

Since the onset of the 2007–2008 financial crisis, labour productivity growth in the UK has been exceptionally weak. Despite some modest improvements in 2013, whole-economy output per hour remains around 16% below the level implied by its pre-crisis trend. Even taking into account possible measurement issues and changes in the size of the service sector, this shortfall is large and is often referred to as the ‘productivity puzzle’.

Measures of productivity can be used to inform estimates of an economy’s ability to grow without generating excessive inflationary pressure, which makes understanding recent movements important for the conduct of monetary policy. During the initial phases of the recession, companies appear to have acted flexibly by holding on to labour and lowering levels of capacity utilisation in response to weak demand conditions. But the protracted weakness in productivity and the strength in employment growth over the past two years suggest that other factors are likely to be having a more persistent impact on the level of productivity. These factors are reduced investment in both physical and intangible capital, such as innovation and training, and failings in the labour market such as immobility of labour and under-employment of skilled workers. Some economists explain this by using the concept of an output gap.

(Source: adapted from http://www.bankofengland.co.uk)

Extract B

Economic growth and living standards

Economic growth is expected to accelerate again as foreign demand for UK exports increases due to the global economic recovery. According to some economists, consumer spending is no longer the engine of growth for the UK.

The increase in exports, which is largely due to the fall in the exchange rate of the pound, is expected to be the most significant driver of the UK’s economic growth. Some economists have proposed that the quality of economic growth needs to be measured and not just the quantity. This will allow governments to understand how GDP growth affects the living standards of its citizens.

They want governments to publish data on the quality of life alongside GDP data as economic growth varies across the country with jobs and wages distributed unevenly. Economic growth figures also hide differences that are not considered in GDP calculations. In 2017, it was estimated that the relative size of the informal economy of developing countries was nearly five times greater than that of the UK.

(Source: adapted from http://www.telegraph.co.uk )

Extract B

Public sector spending on infrastructure

Economic differences across the UK are large and have grown. The government is looking at reducing this inequality partly through spending on transport infrastructure. Public sector capital spending is due to rise from just over 2% of GDP to 3%. That amounts to around £20 billion of additional spending per year on new capital projects.

The government is looking to take advantage of current low interest rates to finance the expansion without worsening its fiscal position. The government is determined to focus this spending on the north of England, Wales and the Midlands. Planned schemes include a new Trafford Park tram line in Manchester and reopening train lines and stations closed back in the 1960s, including stations in Haxby in Yorkshire and Blyth in Northumberland. Progress has already been made in Wales with the reopening of Bow Street station near Aberystwyth.

This project has taken 11 years to become a reality and cost £8m. It is estimated that it will generate a boost to the economy of £24m through boosting local trade, creating new jobs in the local area, and easing pressure on congested roads heading into Aberystwyth.

(Source: adapted from https://www.economist.com)

In 2016 the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that the government would spend an extra £23 billion on innovation and infrastructure over the following five years.