Cohesion or in-cohesion of economic and social development of the UK's regions

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of the article is to determine the directions and assess the dynamics of changes in the level of socio-economic development of British NUTS 2 regions in the years 2000-2019.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The following methods were used in the study: literature analysis, descriptive statistics, dispersion and taxonomic analysis. The analysis covered such variables as GDP per capita, disposable income per person, the employment and employment rate.

FINDINGS: The results of the analysis show that in the period 2000-2019, disparities in GDP per capita and in the amount of disposable income per person increased among the British regions, despite the fact that the differences in the level of employment and unemployment decreased. The improvement of the situation on the labour market due to the high share of marginal work, but having little importance in terms of economic profit, did not result in a similar increase in public and individual income in poorer regions.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Regional development disparities may pose a threat to the territorial integrity of the United Kingdom. To avoid this scenario, it is crucial to continue efforts for regional economic and social cohesion.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study contributes to the discussion on the spatial differentiation of the level of development in the United Kingdom. The results of the research and recommendations may be useful in the search for ways to more fully use the potentials of all regions, and thus the development of the entire country.