The purpose of this book is to set out in a comprehensive, but succinct manner, the key points surrounding four economic issues that generate, today, much discussion and debate. These are the issues of growth, unemployment, distribution and government. It is aimed at an audience that is sufficiently interested in economic issues to read a book that sets out these issues clearly, comprehensively and above all, seriously. This has implications for both the style and the content of the book. Clarity requires that the arguments be presented coherently, without resort to jargon. Comprehensiveness requires a wide perspective embracing theoretical, empirical and policy matters. Lastly, seriousness requires that the most up-to-date thinking on economic matters is presented in digestible form, but without violence to the integrity of the original arguments. Achieving this trinity of objectives has been the primary aim of this book.

PART 1: GROWTH - Competitiveness - Accounting for Growth and the Productivity Slowdown - Economic Policy and Productive Performance - Human Capital Education and Training - PART 2: UNEMPLOYMENT - The Measurement of Unemployment - Inflation and Unemployment - Unemployment and Labour Market (In)Flexibility - Jobless Men and Working Women - PART 3: DISTRIBUTION - Inequality - Poverty - The Welfare State - The Economics of Health - PART 4: GOVERNMENT - The Economic Role of Government - The Growth of Government - Privatisation - Foreign Debt, National Savings and Government Deficits - Index