Whither the economists while the economy withers under COVID19 lockdown?

With the release of the details of the make-up of the groups advising the government over the lockdown, it is now clear there is a sincere lack of economic expertise as our financial future teeters on the brink. The Adam Smith Institute’s Matt Kilcoyne calls on the government to engage now with economists:

“SAGE includes epidemiologists, psychologists, statisticians, environmental and adolescent scientists, sociologists, and hygiene experts. It does not, however, include a single macro or micro-economist.

“The lockdown is having a huge impact on our lives and livelihoods. Our wellbeing is intrinsically linked to our economic prosperity. Millions of jobs are on the line. Thousands of businesses are on the verge of collapse.

“It is essential that Government policy is based on a wide array of perspectives — but to exclude mainstream economics is a blindspot of exceptional proportions. It leaves gaps in ideas and solutions at a time when we cannot afford any mistakes to be made.” 

For further comment or to arrange an interview, please contact him on 07904099599 or email matt@adamsmith.org