It is neither sensible nor tasteful to look for positives in a pandemic that has killed tens of thousands of our compatriots and will leave hundreds of thousands more people short of money and work. But change brings opportunity, and COVID-19, which has already changed so much, should lead to more change still.

In the coming weeks, the SMF will be working with our partners at UK Research and Innovation to host events highlighting new academic research explaining changes and opportunities in our Coronavirus economy. The first event, happening this morning, explores the different ways the pandemic has affected the working lives of men and women. While women have, on average, borne a disproportionate share of economic loss and additional childcare, the average masks the fact that in a significant number of households, the pandemic has delivered greater balance between the sexes. Find out more about that research here and do register to join us at 10am for this morning's event.

Then later in the month, we’ll be hosting Ece Özdemiroğlu of the Committee on Climate Change and a frontbench spokesman on environmental issues to answer questions on the much-discussed hope of a “green recovery” from our current downturn. As the Prime Minister prepares a keynote speech on green issues in the coming days and the Treasury readies its interim report on the economics of Net Zero, this is an issue that will only rise up the policymaking agenda, and where the need for evidence and expertise will only grow. The SMF will continue to offer both, and we thank you for your continued interest in our work.

James Kirkup, Director

Report Highlights

Comment

A new Battlefront? The UK Games Industry at a crossroads 

By Linus Pardoe

Few industries represent this Conservative Government's economic vision quite as well as the video games industry. High productivity, regionally diverse and able to take advantage of the new immigration system, the games sector has also thrived in lockdown. But success has brought scrutiny and with it serious questions about the industry's regulatory future.

The Government has committed to a review of the 2005 Gambling Act. Here’s what that review should look like.​

By Jake Shepherd

This week, the Gambling Commission announced a consultation on introducing spending limits on gambling. The introduction of a spending cap - alongside a comprehensive set of recommendations - was set out by the SMF in a report by Dr James Noyes and Jake Shepherd earlier this year. In this blog, Jake provides a short overview of the report.

Partnership Opportunities

The SMF works with leading charities, businesses and research organisations to champion fair markets and open public services. To discuss partnership opportunities, contact Hannah Murphy, Head of Events and Partnerships.

Email: hannah@smf.co.uk