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Structural Shifts In Uk Unemployment 1979–2005: The Twin Impacts Of Financial Deregulation And Computerization

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  • Michelle C. Baddeley

Abstract

This paper analyses UK unemployment in the period 1979–2005. Structural breaks are identified endogenously and they coincide with key institutional changes associated with financial deregulation and computerization in the New Economy. A vector error correction model is estimated and it confirms that computerization and financial deregulation have had counteracting impacts on UK unemployment. The results are consistent with three hypotheses: technological advances associated with computerization have moderated inflationary struggles between firms and insiders by increasing total factor productivity; financial deregulation has generated financial fragility fostering rises in unemployment; financial deregulation and computerization together have been associated with shifts from manufacturing towards services, fostering structural unemployment.

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  • Michelle C. Baddeley, 2008. "Structural Shifts In Uk Unemployment 1979–2005: The Twin Impacts Of Financial Deregulation And Computerization," Bulletin of Economic Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(2), pages 123-157, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:buecrs:v:60:y:2008:i:2:p:123-157
    DOI: 10.1111/j.0307-3378.2008.00277.x
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    2. Feldmann, Horst, 2012. "Banking deregulation around the world, 1970s to 2000s: The impact on unemployment," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 24(C), pages 26-42.

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