5.2.1

Causes of Economic Change in the UK

Test yourself

Causes of Economic Change in the UK

The UK's economy is changing and this is being caused by several factors:

Illustrative background for De-industrialisationIllustrative background for De-industrialisation ?? "content

De-industrialisation

  • The north of England used to be a hub for trade with the United States of America and the British Empire.
  • Cotton and textiles were important English-produced commodities.
  • Cotton prices in England were benchmarked by the prices that were available in the market by Liverpool's port.
  • Since de-industrialisation, there are fewer jobs in manufacturing, in producing goods and in the north of England.
Illustrative background for GlobalisationIllustrative background for Globalisation ?? "content

Globalisation

  • Globalisation and the internet allow someone in India to communicate with someone in the UK instantly.
  • India's English speaking heritage and population have created economic ties with English and American businesses - British Airways outsources its software development to India.
  • Globalisation means that businesses compare the cost of doing something in the UK against the cost of doing it in a country where salaries are much lower.
Illustrative background for Government policiesIllustrative background for Government policies ?? "content

Government policies

  • Government policies affect the economy.
  • In France, the government owns parts of Renault (cars), Francaise des Jeux (gambling), Air France-KLM (airline), and Orange (mobile phones).
  • In the 1980s, the British government sold off lots of their stakes in a movement of 'privatisations'. This means that in many industries there may not necessarily be an English business operating anymore.

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson