Brighton well placed to weather the coming economic storm, says think-tank

Brighton and Hove is well placed to weather the coming economic storm, according to research published today (Monday 6 November) by a think-tank called Localis.

The think-tank expects the economic storm to result from a combination of Britain’s departure from the European Union – Brexit – as well as the combination of more automation and an ageing population.

Localis said that migration changes and a misplaced focus on university degrees, rather than a balance of higher education with vocational training, would exacerbate the situation.

London has the best performing g labour market, according to Localis, while Brighton and Hove has the most resilient Labour market.

Brighton and Hove measured best for its age balance, skills mix and risk from automation.

The report, In Place of Work, said that Brighton’s modest manufacturing sector insulated the area from the effects of increasing levels of automation.

And the large education sector -Localis cited Sussex University – “is a partial explanation for its high average skill level”.

Neighbouring West Sussex was deemed to be at a much greater risk from migration changes, in part because of the loss of immigrants in horticulture and agriculture.

Brighton and Hove was ranked as the fifth most resilient strategic area of the country out of 47.

And unlike neighbouring East Sussex, it is relatively youthful. The balance of young and old people was top ranked in Brighton and Hove.

The report said that the ratio of people aged 65 and over was 34 for every 100 people aged under 65 – up from 28. The national average is 22.

The authors called for greater political leadership, with an emphasis on the different needs if different places, to mitigate the challenges ahead.

To read the report, click here.