Contrasting news reports today show that whilst the economy as a whole may be improving, there are varying situations in different geographical and economic areas of activity.
For example, a new report by an independent think tank has suggested that the North of England contributed six per cent more to the national economy than Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland combined, But the IPPR North report also concluded that in the decade to 2012, the devolved nations were spending “far more” per head on increasing their economies through skills and infrastructure investment, plus research and development, while the North grew at a slower rate.
In addition, the Lancashire Evening Post reports that a home care company has gone into administration, threatening dozens of jobs. The company, based in Preston, provides care for people in their own homes across central Lancashire and Kirkham. The Evening Post understands between 40 and 60 jobs have been affected.