Over the past couple of years, researchers at the Fraser of Allander Institute have been working on a project to explore the effect of class size and composite (multi-grade) classes in Scottish primary schools on pupil attainment. Overall, we find some evidence that exposure to more experienced peers is beneficial to primary school pupils in terms of attainment. In this article we summarise some of our key findings from this analysis.
The purpose of the research is to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the mental health and wellbeing of the Scottish population. The aim is to understand the psychological impact of the pandemic on different demographic groups (gender, age, and employment status). The research also focuses on people who may be more vulnerable to the pandemic in multiple ways, namely those with long-term physical and mental health conditions and single-parent families.
One year on from the first coronavirus lockdown, there have been seismic changes not only in our daily lives but also in the policy landscape. It is easy to become complacent about the extent of the economic policies put in place by governments in response to the crisis.
Today’s FAI Economic Commentary summarised in 10 key points, the commentary is produced quarterly and provides a snapshot of the Scottish economy.
One year on, the pandemic still constricts growth but sentiment improves for the future. After a year of economic pain and ongoing uncertainty, certain sectors in the economy continue to bear the brunt.
This week we published our latest Scottish Business Monitor in partnership with Addleshaw Goddard. You can read the latest Scottish Business Monitor here. Scottish businesses remain optimistic despite uncertainty.
The latest Fraser of Allander Economic Commentary webinar was hosted on Tuesday. The webinar was chaired by Graeme Roy, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, who was joined by guests Douglas Farish, Deloitte’s Edinburgh Office Senior Partner and the new Auditor General, Stephen Boyle. Graeme was also joined by Mairi Spowage, Deputy Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, and David Eiser who heads up the Institute’s Fiscal Analysis.
With the pandemic forcing many people to work from home for the first time, much has been said about how home working could influence the future of work. But which jobs are likely to be most or least affected by home working? And what are businesses saying about their experience so far?
How could the pandemic and the UK’s new trading relationship with the EU interact to affect Scottish businesses and Local Authorities?
Recent positive news on vaccine development raises expectations that 2021/22 will herald the beginnings of a recovery from both the health and economic shocks caused by Covid in 2020. With this backdrop, what are the implications for the Scottish Government’s budget for 2021/22 – due to be published on 28th January?
