Halfway through the UK general election campaign, economic policy has emerged as the primary focus for Airmic members, overshadowing geopolitics and other concerns, according to the Airmic Big Question survey released this week.
The poll revealed that 52% of respondents are preparing for changes in UK economic policy, while only 19% are bracing for shifts in foreign policy. Amid the preparations, 38% of those surveyed believe things will be ‘business as usual’.
Meanwhile, 24% are anticipating more domestic political uncertainty, while 5% are getting ready for other post-election scenarios including changes in housing regulations.
Julia Graham, chief executive of Airmic, commented: “While we have seen how geopolitics and the economy are intrinsically linked, the survey results suggest that the long-term trajectory of UK economic growth continues to be of great concern to our members and their organisations.”
Airmic research head Hoe-Yeong Loke added: “The high prevalence of members saying it will be business as usual reaffirms what observers say has been convergence of Conservative and Labour economic policies, especially since the mini-budget of September 2022. They don’t expect radical change.
“Members and their businesses are more concerned about how a Labour government’s economic and fiscal policy will play out – given widespread expectations for the Labour party to win a landslide victory on July 4 – in the face of growing domestic populist pressures, as well as external events such as the outcome of the US presidential elections later this year.”
Housing regulations also surfaced as a significant concern among poll respondents.
Leigh-Anne Slade, head of media, communications, and interest groups at Airmic, noted: “Rather than being merely a sectoral interest, some of our members are echoing the pundits as to how closely they are watching the debates on housing regulations, for their impact on the UK economy and on society at large.”
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