We use a rational agent model of savings and labour supply to considering how consumer responses to a worsening of labour market opportunities could be influenced by the extent of private sector indebtedness. Our simulations indicate that responses to a negative labour market shock depend...

NIESR Discussion Paper Number 265. Report produced by the National Institute of Social and Economic Research for the Department for Work and Pensions. View press release (released 1100 hours, 15th December 2005) Summary This study uses a stylised simulation model to consider potential...

The design of welfare benefits is a tricky business. In this respect, James Meade placed particular emphasis on the importance of avoiding excessive distortions to the price of labour. Nevertheless, Meade noted that means testing in the delivery of welfare benefits is likely to be desirable in...

This report is the end of project submission for the Understanding Debt project undertaken by NIESR for the DWP and DTI. The report focuses upon undertaking a rigorous analysis of private sector indebtedness, and unsecured debt in particular. Key objectives include: ¥ to explore the...

There is a growing consensus based on extensive experimental evidence that people are generally influenced by myopia when making decisions of an intertemporal nature. The view that people are myopic has now become sufficiently main-stream that it now features in contemporary debate regarding...

The design of welfare benefits is a tricky business. In this respect, James Meade placed particular emphasis on the importance of avoiding excessive distortions to the price of labour. Nevertheless, Meade noted that means testing is likely to be desirable in view of the 'hideously expensive'...

INDICSER Review Paper No. 2   Work Package 3 of the INDICSER project will construct indicators that describe the market environment interpreted in a general sense to cover the markets in which service sector firms deliver outputs and purchase inputs. This review of indicators and data sources...