E-briefing 25 - July 2008

E-briefing Issue 25: July 2008

 Research Team Update  Latest Additions to the RIU Extranet  Forthcoming Data Releases

Editorial

Hello, and welcome to the July 2008 edition of the Regional Intelligence Unit’s (RIU) e-briefing.  The RIU's aim is to improve access to information and intelligence for the region's public and private sectors.

This briefing will highlight recent activities of the RIU, latest additions to the Extranet and data release dates for the coming months.

Research Conference

Its now three months since the RIU held the Northwest Research Conference at the Manchester Conference Centre.  Findings from recent research projects funded by the NWDA Research Team and regional partners were disseminated at the conference, where was also the opportunity for attendees to find out more about regional and local data produced by the Office for National Statistics.

The conference was well received and analysis on the feedback obtained can be downloaded here.  The feedback questionnaire also asked attendees for suggestions of future research topics that the Regional Intelligence Unit should consider for the 2008/09 Research Programme.  Further detail on this is also available in the feedback analysis.  Presentations given at the event are downloadable from the RIU Extranet.

The Regional Intelligence Unit hopes to build upon the success of the conference in terms of future events and through the work we do and the comments and feedback we have received will be borne in mind when planning future events and will help to inform the work of the team.

RIU Extranet & Password

Following user feedback, the RIU will be reviewing the password protected pages of the RIU Extranet over forthcoming months.  In the meantime we would like to remind all users that you can change your password to something more user friendly, to change your password:-

  • Log into the RIU Extranet site using your current username and password.  If you require a reminder of your current password please use the forgotten password link in the top right hand corner of the site, enter your username and your password will be e-mailed to you
  • Click on the change password link in the top right hand corner of the site
  • Follow the instructions on screen and type in your existing password followed by a new password.  Note: All passwords must contain two non alphanumeric characters such as !, £, *, % or &.  An easy way to do this would be to type your chosen password and place two non alphanumeric characters at the end e.g. Password** or Password!!
  • Click on the Change Password button and a message will appear informing you that your password has been changed

Please let us know if you have anything that you would like to highlight on the RIU Extranet such as outputs from research commissioned elsewhere, links to useful sites and datasets etc.

    We strive to keep the Extranet as up to date as possible but if you identify any problems with the site such as broken links, out of date data or if anything is not disseminated through the site please forward details to nwriu@nwda.co.uk

    Kind Regards

    Vanessa Anderson, Editor

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    NWDA Research Team Update

    Research Panel     - The research programme has been designed to provide a robust evidence base to begin the development of the Single Regional Strategy.  As part of this process work was undertaken to identify the gaps and to provide direction on the intelligence needed to improve future decision making. The evidence gathering is designed to move us forward, and to be a live programme reviewed on a regular basis which will give strategic direction for the next 3 years. It is split into the five themed chapters; Business, Skills & Education, People and Jobs, Infrastructure and Quality of Life with an Economic section at the front underpinning productivity studies. By setting the programme out in this manner it is easier to focus attention on key areas of work in order to ensure we achieve our objective of high and stable economic growth.

    The 2008/9 research programme has now been added. This programme has been compiled through consultation with internal colleagues and external stakeholders.  Please note this programme is not set in stone and can change to reflect regional priorities.

    The following provides a summary of published outputs and progress so far:-

    Places

    Place matters. Thinking spatially about the regional economy is the key to developing new ideas and ways of connecting both at the local and global scale. This region is very diverse geographically, socially and environmentally, for example Cumbria is a predominantly rural sub-region which has seen a gradual decline in GVA. Greater Manchester in contrast is home to the regions largest city, is predominantly urban and contributes 40% of regional GVA. 

    Understanding ‘place’ is important but it is apparent that it is a difficult concept with varied meanings. Broadly, these can be grouped around;

    • ‘place’ as a geographical concept, a defined area or locality that has character, identity and meaning
    • ‘place’ as a sociological concept, a unique point of intersection of points in a network of social relations
    • ‘place’ as an economic concept, a ‘market place’.

    What is common to each of these concepts, however, is that ‘place’ is seen as a dynamic rather than a static concept. A space becomes a ‘place’ not because it is constructed, but because it develops an accumulation of meanings for people that change over time. It is based on individual and community relationships that link outwardly into the wider world. And economic markets are, by definition, dynamic.

    Aim: To develop a methodology for a set of high quality products which illustrate and identify the places. Their uniqueness, strengths, weaknesses alongside any growth potential and futures.

    Northwest Comparative Advantage

    Following on from the European Benchmarking work conducted in the 07/08 research programme, the purpose of this project is to identify those areas in Europe which have grown significantly over the period 1996 – 2006. From this, an assessment will be conducted to understand how this significant growth has been achieved and how, if at all, any of these attributes can be applied to the Northwest economy.

    Aim: To identify key attributes of an area demonstrating significant growth in order to see whether these same attributes can be applied to the Northwest region.

    Preston Potential

    Preston as a place is not achieving the success it is capable of given proximity to the corridor and their characteristics. This study will explore the economic potential of Preston especially, as the third major city within the context of identifying and assessing its potential.

    Aim: Explore the economic potential of Preston as the ‘third major city’

    Pocket Databank

    The pocket databank is a Northwest regional profile consisting of regional, sub-regional and local authority statistics.  Drawing on key economic indicators the databank is an invaluable source of information from which we are able to assess the performance of business, productivity and labour market statistics.  An updated version was published in July 2008.  If you would like to receive a hard copy please e-mail your contact details to nwriu@nwda.co.uk.

    NW Sector Detail and Geography

    This project aims to define the six RES priority sectors according to 2003 Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes plus an additional 11 sectors which together totalled the whole economy. The definitions were assigned according to four digit SIC codes and as far as possible each four digit code is assigned to just one sector. This sector definition has enabled the NWDA Research Team to work with the ONS Regional Presence to obtain data from the Inter-Departmental Business Register (IDBR) on the number of companies, number of employees, size of companies and turnover. This data and analysis will be available by sector and where possible to sub-regional and local authority level. Data has also been collected for England and for the comparator regions of Yorkshire and the West Midlands.

    Aim: Defining key sectors by economic indicators which allow us to consistently track their performance in the region.

    Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2008

    The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) research program is an annual assessment of the national level of entrepreneurial activity and these results will build upon GEM 2007. The study looks at Total Early stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) in the NW. The survey identifies challenges and barriers, attitudes and TEA by under-represented groups.

    Aim: To understand the level of entrepreneurial activity within the region, attitudes by particular groups and constraints.

    RDA Regional Survey of Economic Trends

    This is a comprehensive report which captures business performance, identifies key constraints on their growth and predicts business optimism for the future, both at a national and regional level. Taking into account strategic issues, investment and competitiveness intentions as well as a whole host of other business indicators we are able to make concrete policy decisions to further improve the entrepreneurial climate for NW businesses.

    Aim: To gauge business performance in the region, understand their barriers and predict future growth

    Household Entrepreneurship Survey 2007

    The Household Entrepreneurship Survey has been conducted every two years since 2001 by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR). The main aims of the survey are to:-

    • monitor, over time, the attitudes towards going into business
    • establish the full range of entrepreneurial activity going on at present
    • examine the motivations for, and barriers to, starting a business
    • provide robust data on business activity actions and plans
    • monitor key trends in the characteristics and perceptions of small business owners and managers

    The NWDA Research Team paid to boost the Northwest sample of the Household Entrepreneurship Survey 2007 to allow for more detailed regional analysis and facilitate comparisons between other regions or national figures.

    BERR released the national report on Monday 15th July and the Northwest Report will be available shortly.

    Globalisation Index (GI)

    The Globalisation index ranks the Northwest based on a number of variables grouped into four categories: Economic, Travel and Tourism, Migration and Ethnicity. The Globalisation index stems from an annual Global Index study (Foreign Policy A.T. Kearney) that assesses the extent to which the world’s most populated nations are becoming more or less globally connected. The GI methodology is adapted and applied to the English regions and assess how globally connected the Northwest region is. 

    Aim: To assess how globally connected the Northwest region is.

    Workforce Development

    Workforce development is critical to the productivity, innovation and profitability of a business and the regional economy overall. However, it must be recognised that workforce development is not exclusive to purely skill enhancements. It is widely recognised that good employment relation practices are essential to promoting fairness at work and that those organisations choosing to embrace good practice are much more likely to be successful organisations. A combination of employers enhancing skills development as well as offering good employment relations will play a significant role in improving the productivity of the business. The aim of this work is to provide a cost benefit analysis that will clearly measure the impact of any investment made in Workforce Development and providing good employment relations practices.

    Aim: The economic value added to a business from an employer adopting strong employment practices whilst investing in workforce development.

    The Economic Impact and Potential of Higher and Further Education Establishments in the Northwest

    The role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Further Education establishments (FEs) in the economy at all levels is of great significance. A recent Universities UK report showed that the HE sector generated £45billion worth of output a figure that has risen £10 billion over the last ten years demonstrating that it is also a high growth sector. The sector directly employs 330,000 jobs, 33,000 in the Northwest and using conservative estimates students in the Northwest alone spend around £1.9billion in the region. These impressive figures only show half the story, there are many other ‘soft’ impacts such as business clustering around universities and the high level of skills provided by universities to employers which all further demonstrate the crucial importance of the HE sector to the Northwest economy and the wider UK economy.

    This work will allow us to fully understand the role HEIs and FEs play in the Northwest economy. The economic impact of HEIs is considerable but we do not know the extent of the impact of Northwest HEIs to the region and what the further economic potential could be. We wish to build upon high calibre individual institution studies that exist in the US and UK to cover all 15 HEIs in the Northwest.

    Aim: The role that Northwest HEIs and FEs play as employers including the indirect and induced economic impact of such employment. In terms of potential, we need to what more HEIs can do to work with the region in creating employment.

    Universities Challenged: The Future of Higher Learning

    This project has two objectives. First, to develop a sophisticated understanding of the impact of recent reforms to higher and further education. Second, to set out a challenging but credible future higher education policy agenda. By combining these, the project aims to make a significant intervention into political and popular debates about the way our society provides and funds, as well as views and values, higher education.

    Aim:  The project will assess the impact of recent policy changes and consider what our future vision and progressive ambitions for HE should be.

    Leadership & Management

    This report presents the findings from SQW’s study into leadership and management skills in the North West, commissioned by the North West Development Agency (NWDA) in February 2007. The study had two principal objectives:

    1) Developing a set of baseline indicators that provided meaningful data on current levels of leadership and management skills in the region, and could be updated in the future to track how these levels were changing.

    2) Identifying a small number of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for use in monitoring progress against regional leadership and management objectives as detailed in the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) and North West Statement of Skills Priorities.

    The research process involved consultations with regional and national partners, a literature review and audit of data sources, followed by analysis of data for the most robust indicators identified. The study then moved on to the identification of KPIs from the wider set of baseline indicators, undertaken in consultation with partners both within and outside the region.

    Outputs:-
    Executive Summary
    Full Report

    State of the Rural Northwest Update

    The economy of rural areas is no longer dominated by the land based sector although this is significant in terms of the environmental quality of rural areas which attract new residents and economic activities. The sector profile of most rural areas is now diverse with services and manufacturing complimenting the more traditional land based activities. This study will look at the overall GVA value and employment mass the rural economy contributes to the Northwest economy. Recognition of the rural environment as a key economic resource will support better management of resource. 

    Aim: To assess the economic contribution of the rural economy to the Northwest economy

    Climate Change Impacts and Responses

    The measures needed to tackle (mitigate) and respond (adapt) to the effects of climate change pose challenges as well as opportunities for the economy of the Northwest and the UK at large. The impacts will be, and are being, felt by private and public sector organisations alike and it is critical that these are fully understood and effective responses are planned for in a timely manner.

    This study will focus on key vulnerabilities and strategic opportunities across the region and drive forward adaptive capacity in particular and identify responsibilities for adaptive action. Understanding the nature if each sector and the risk each faces in the context of climate change now and in the future is central to the success of the project.

    Aim: To better understand the impact of climate change on the region now and in the future.

    Environmental Considerations in Achieving Sustainable Economic Growth (ECOSEG)

    This study will look at the potential environmental capacity issues arising as the region’s economy continues to grow so we can identify and understand them as we move towards the production of a Single Regional Strategy.  It will also be important to recognise that some of these capacity issues may generate business opportunities in their own right – such as growth in the energy and environmental sectors.

    This study will look at the environmental aspects of achieving sustainable economic development: the critical infrastructure requirements and the opportunities and potential from the environment in terms of meeting our economic goals and what the environment can offer the region’s economy; and then look at the impact on resources and biodiversity should we achieve our targets and visions. The aim is to provide clear recommendations on the specific and general environmental capacity issues the Northwest will need to address in order to achieve the economic growth implied by current strategies.

    Aim: To evaluate the potential environmental capacity issue arising as the region’s economy continues to grow.

    Faith Research

    There is an emerging prominence given to faith issues in the public square. The NWDA recognises the social capital that faith communities represent, not least in the most deprived areas of the region. This makes them legitimate partners in sustainable economic development. Having already undertaken research which measures the economic impact of faith communities in economic terms, this study wishes to perform an audit of existing faith based projects in order to further identify the added value faith brings and measure the added value that faith communities bring to public life in the region.

    Aim: To measure the added value faith communities bring to public life in the region.

    Regional Index of Sustainable Economic Wellbeing (RISEW)

    Over the last few decades, industrialised countries have achieved unprecedented levels of prosperity and material comfort, and are now taking stock of what all this wealth actually means, and how it is related to underlying goals of personal and societal welfare. And over the same period we have also developed a keener awareness of how dependent we are on limited resources, of our impact on those resources, and that we need real structural change if we are to make those resources last for more than the next generation or two.

    The Regional Index of Sustainable Economic Well-being (R-ISEW) is an adjusted economic indicator which attempts to monetarise costs and benefits which are not traditionally measured in monetary terms. It brings together a wide range of economic, social and environmental issues into one analytic framework to allow fair comparisons between them.

    Aim: Other than GVA this study will use ‘alternative’ indicators to measure well-being.

    Re-engaging with the Land – Our Most Precious Asset

    In recent years, true commercial profits have been hard to find in agriculture. Food, particularly food from Britain is undervalued in our own society. The impact of global choice and competition means that self sufficiency in the UK continues to decline.  Paradoxically, many parts of the world continue to suffer famine.

    This study will undertake a modelling exercise examining the scenarios for land utilisation now and in the future. In particular it will assess the capability and capacity of the region for planting non-food based crops such as those for cosmetics (e.g. lavender etc.) and those for fuel (e.g. miscanthus) especially in terms of geology, climate, land and existing agriculture.

    Aim: To undertake a modelling exercise to examine the scenarios for land utilisation now and in the future.

    Outputs:-
    Our Most Precious Asset: Main Report
    Our Most Precious Asset: Appendix Part 1
    Our Most Precious Asset: Appendix Part 2
    Our Most Precious Asset: Appendix Part 3
    Our Most Precious Asset: Appendix Part 4
    Our Most Precious Asset: Appendix Part 5

    Other NWDA Research Team activities include:-

    Regional Economic Forecasting Panel - The Northwest Regional Economic Forecasting Panel was set up in 2003 as a service to business and to others concerned with the development of the Northwest as a thriving regional economy. The Panel meets four times a year and annually produces two forecasts looking out over the next three years, which are mainly as a service to business, regular assessments of the state of the regional economy and a third forecast looking forward over a period of 20 years which builds upon these assessments.

    The Panel's State of the Northwest Economy and Business Forecasts Spring 2008 reports have recently been published.

    Please click here to access the Panel's previous reports.

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    Latest Additions to the RIU Extranet

    Regional Strategy Evidence Paper
    The Regional Intelligence Unit has developed in preparation for the new Regional Strategy a series of “Evidence Papers”.  These papers follow the factors in the current RES with a small number of additional ones.  The purpose of the papers is to contribute to an independent, consistent evidence base, which will enable the region to demonstrate flow through from evidence to issue, in the development of the Regional Strategy.  This will begin the debate on developing possible action and outputs to have an outcome on regional sustainable economic performance.

    We are seeking your comments, especially around additional research/data we can include.  The papers will be available for consultation until the 15th September.   Each paper includes consultation questions at the back which may help you, but we are more than happy to take general comments.  Please e-mail your responses to evidencepapers@nwda.co.uk.

    The RIU will be holding a series of consultation sessions on the Regional Strategy Evidence Papers in September. The format and dates for these sessions is still under discussion but it is likely that we will run sessions under a number of themes where interested parties can attend and discuss relevant papers under each theme.

    EMU Data Update
    The Regional Intelligence Unit's GIS tool, EMU has been updated with the latest data.  The tool is an application that provides RIN members with access to consistent, concise and up-to-date geographic information to support the objectives of the Regional Economic Strategy (RES).

    RIN members will benefit from access to greater volumes of more accurate and timely geographic information.  This will provide a more consistent view upon which to base decisions, better evidence on which to base policy and support the NWDA aim for sustainable economic development.

    Briefings Prepared by the RIU

    Northwest Economic Profile - July 2008
    The NWDA Research Team has updated the Northwest Economic Profile which provides an overview of the Northwest economy together wit key facts on GVA, employment, earnings, entepreneurship and migration.

    Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (PESA)
    Each year, HM Treasury publishes the Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (PESA) which is a compendia of information about public expenditure outturns and plans.  One chapter is devoted to the distribution of public spending between the regions and countries of the UK.  PESA 2008 was released by HM Treasury on 21st April 2008 and can be accessed here. The NWDA research team has produced a briefing which summarises the results of this release.

    Changes to National Statistics on Business Start-ups and Closures - June 2008
    Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Community, has recently introduced a new Structural Business Statistics Regulation which means the ONS will now monitor births and deaths of businesses using Pay As You Earn (PAYE) registration and de-registration data.

    The Research Team has produced a briefing that outlines the significance of this change in the structural indicator and the implications this has on the Regional Economic Strategy (RES).

    Regional Gross Disposable Household Income 1995-2006 - July 2008
    Following the release from ONS of the new Gross Disposable Household Income Estimates earlier this year, the NWDA Research Team has produced an overall summary for the Northwest region. The new data contains regional figures up to 2006 together with sub-regional and local data (NUTS 2 and 3).

    2006 Based Sub-national Population Projections for England - June 2008
    2006 based long term Sub-national Population Projections for England (SNPP) were published on 12 June 2008.  They give an indication of future trends in population for the period 2006-2031.  The Research Team has produced a summary of the projections.

    The regional datasets can be downloaded from http://www.statistics.gov.uk/STATBASE/Product.asp?vlnk=997 and further information is also available at http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=2001.

    Migrant Workers - May 2008
    It is now four years since the EU enlarged to welcome the A8 countries on 1st May 2004 and 12 months since the A2 countries became member states. The IPPR has undertaken a major study that aims to provide a picture of post-enlargement migration flows to and from the UK. The Chambers of Commerce Northwest (CCNW) has also commissioned the ‘Migrant Workers Survey 2008’ to look at the experiences of Northwest employers and migrant workers. The Research Team has produced a briefing highlighting the key findings from both studies.

    Data and Reports from Regional Partners

    North West Employment and Skills Evidence Base 2008
    This report has been prepared by Regeneris Consulting on behalf of the North West LSCs and NWDA and is intended to be an employment and skills evidence base which is shared by partners at a regional, sub-regional and local level.

    The primary purpose of the report is to identify the critical employment and skills issues that the Single Regional Strategy and the Regional Skills Strategy will need to address. It also supplements the existing information that the LSC and other skills stakeholders and delivery partners draw on to guide their future investment planning and purchasing of skills provision. Whilst the study is concerned with identifying the key employment and skills issues facing the region, it is not concerned with setting priorities or proposing actions.

    The report has drawn on the extensive evidence base which now exists within the region covering economic performance, employment and skills issues. It addresses the regional and sub-regional perspectives in particular, but it also draws out the local perspective where this is particularly relevant to regional issues. Consultations were undertaken with partners across the region to inform the analysis and assessment of key issues.

    The analysis is focused primarily on explaining change over the past decade, but focusing where appropriate over the more immediate period from 2001/2 to date. It also examines the economic and employment prospects over the next 2-3 years, but also explores the
    longer term prospects over the next decade.

    National Employer Skill Survey (NESS) 2007
    The National Employers Skills Survey 2007 (NESS07) provides detailed information on the incidence, extent and nature of skills problems facing employers, in terms of both recruitment and skill gaps within their existing workforce. It also explores employers' activities and expenditure in relation to training.

    Manchester Independent Economic Review
    A full economic baseline study has been completed for the Manchester City Region. This provides a detailed and balanced assessment of both the strengths and challenges facing the economy and labour market. The baseline will be updated throughout 2008 as more recent data becomes available.  Themes covered in the baseline include:-

    • An overview of recent key economic trends at national, regional and sub-regional level;
    • The structure and performance of the business base;
    • The supply and demand for labour and skills;
    • A summary of the MCR's offer in terms of the key infrastructure and cultural assets; and
    • Future scenarios for growth in the City Region economy over the next decade.

    NB: People now published and further sections will be published in due course.

    ONS Regional Team for the NW: July 2008 Newsletter
    This is the fifth newsletter from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) regional team for the North West.

    National Data and Reports

    Regional Competitiveness and State of the Regions 2008
    A compendium of regional statistics covering a wide range of socio economic statistics based on contributions from a number of different Government Departments. The 17 indicators have been available to assist the devolved administrations and regions in developing regional economic strategies.

    This is the seventh edition of Regional Competitiveness and State of the Regions, formed by the amalgamation of two separate publications: the Regional Competitiveness Indicators and the Regional Development Agency (RDA) ‘State of the Region’ Core Indicators.

    Annual Population Survey - New Estimates for January 2007 to December 2007 Released
    The Annual Population Survey datasets on NOMIS https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/Default.asp were updated on 21 July 2008 with new figures for the period January 2007 - December 2007.

    As the release is for a calendar year period, this update includes qualifications data.

    Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) Statistics
    On 30th July the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, released Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) Statistics for the UK and Regions 2007.  A dataset containing detailed information for each UK industry, region and country is available on the BERR website: http://stats.berr.gov.uk/ed/sme.  A press release showing the main findings is available from http://stats.berr.gov.uk/UKSA/ed/sa20080730.htm

    National Curriculum Assessment, GCSE and Equivalent Attainment and Post-16 Attainment by Pupil Characteristics in England 2006-07
    This Statistical First Release provides information showing attainment for 2006/07 broken down by pupils' characteristics, namely gender, ethnicity, eligibility for free school meals (FSM), special educational needs (SEN) and English as an additional language (EAL). The SFR will include data for Key Stage 1 and 2 National Curriculum assessments, GCSE and equivalent achievement and Post-16 achievement and is provisional. Data for Key Stage 3 National Curriculum assessments is not available and therefore will not be included.

    Level of Highest Qualification Held by Adults: England 2007
    The release contains figures on numbers of adults and proportions with qualifications by level and are broken down by sex, age, geography, ethnicity, disability and economic activity. The figures are calculated from the final quarter 2007 Labour Force Survey (carried out by the Office for National Statistics) using the detailed information collected about qualifications gained by individuals.

    State of the Countryside Report 2008
    State of the Countryside 2008 provides a comprehensive description of social, economic and environmental conditions and changes across rural England, highlighting the main challenges and future trends for government and other organisations.

    This report is the tenth in the series so we're taking the opportunity to consider the changes taking place in rural England, looking forward to what the future might hold for rural communities and reflecting on what has remained important since the report was first published in 1999.

    Regional Trade Statistics Qtr1 2008
    Regional export and import statistics from Qtr 1 2008.

    Family Resources Survey 2006/07
    The Family Resources Survey collects information on the incomes and circumstances of private households in the United Kingdom. The survey is sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions. Data and analysis from 2006/07 was released on 10th June 2008 and is available on:-

    • Household Characteristics
    • Income and State Support Receipt
    • Tenure and Housing Costs
    • Assets and Savings
    • Carers
    • Occupation and Employment

    Data from the Family Resources survey is used for the Households Below Average Income (HBAI) publication  www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/hbai.asp. The Households Below Average Income statistical report (HBAI) for the period 1994/95- 2006/07 was also published on 10th June 2008

    Data Availability by Geography
    The Office for National Statistics provides a guide to the availability of labour market data at different geographical levels, and the frequency in which these data are published.

    Asylum Statistics
    The asylum statistics publications report on:

    • key trends in asylum applications, initial decisions and appeals
    • demographic characteristics of asylum applicants
    • timeliness and quality of initial decisions
    • asylum applicants supported by the National Asylum Support Service
    • asylum applicants received by the Fast Track Centres
    • asylum removals (including voluntary assisted returns and voluntary departures)
    • detention of asylum (and non asylum) seekers
    • settlement

    Focus on London 2008
    Focus on London 2008 covers a wide range of demographic, social and economic data, providing a statistical portrait of some of the key issues facing the capital. Produced by the Greater London Authority's statistical arm, Data Management Analysis Group (DMAG) it will be of interest to anyone who has a general interest in, or is carrying out research about, London. The report contains over 200 tables of the latest available data for London on several topics, conveniently presented in one place. This edition continues the series started in 1997.

    New IT and Telecoms insights 2008 Reports from e-skills UK
    E-skills UK has released another four reports as part of the 'IT and Telecoms Insights 2008' series, which presents a unique view of the key trends, opportunities and challenges facing the UK over the next ten years, and their implications for skills.

    The reports provide further insight into the findings previewed in the headline report 'Technology Counts: IT and Telecoms Insights 2008' which was launched at the end of January.

    The full series provides an in-depth understanding of the existing IT and Telecoms industry and forecasts the future based on the best available global intelligence, including new input from more than 4,000 UK employers.

    The four new reports now available are:-

    • 'IT & Telecoms Insights 2008: Trends and Skills in the UK Telecoms Industry' (e-skills UK/Auridian) - This report, which includes input from leading Telecoms employers, provides insights into future trends specific to the Telecoms sector and identifies the potential impacts and likely skills implications for the workforce.
    • 'IT and Telecoms Insights 2008: Competitiveness of the UK IT & Telecoms Sector' (e-skills UK) - This report provides an evaluation of the competitiveness and performance of the IT & Telecoms sector regionally, nationally and internationally. It provides key comparative data including information on productivity, growth and the competitive environment and includes an investigation into the links between competitiveness and IT strategic management and leadership skills.
    • 'IT and Telecoms Insights 2008 : The Impact of ICT on UK Productivity' (e-skills UK/Adroit Economics and Regeneris Consulting) - This report considers the extent to which Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) impact the UK’s national and regional economies, and the implications for increasing productivity and GVA both for the UK as whole and within each nation/region. It also identifies possible interventions to optimise future productivity through ICT adoption.
    • 'IT and Telecoms Insights 2008: Employer Skills Needs Survey' (e-skills UK) - This report is based on a survey of 3,026 employers. Considering both IT & Telecoms professionals (within IT & Telecoms companies and across all other sectors) and IT users, the survey assesses current and future skills needs; recruitment, vacancies and skills shortages; and the proficiency and skills gaps of the existing workforce.

    The 'IT and Telecoms Insights 2008' suite comprises the 'Technology Counts' headline report, a set of nine in-depth reports and an additional set for the nine English Regions, Scotland and Wales. Further reports will soon be available as part of the series.

    For more information and free downloadable copies of the reports, go to www.e-skills.com/insights08/indepth.

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    Forthcoming Data Releases

    The RIU has produced a calendar containing summaries of important data releases due out over the next two months. Here is the latest data release calendar.

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    As part of our on-going aim to improve our communication with members we would like to invite network members to provide us with feedback, please email any comments and recommendations you may have to nwriu@nwda.co.uk or call 01925 400291.

    For full contact details of all team members please click here.

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