UK trends
UK income inequality trends (using the Gini coefficient)
click on graph to expand
The graph above shows a 45 year trend in income inequality in the UK (as measured by the Gini coefficient*). In the 1960s income inequality was relatively stable (data not shown) and in the 1970s (up to 1978) income inequality actually reduced. From 1979 until the early 1990s there was a steep rise in income inequality. Since then the Gini coefficient has fluctuated but is even higher now than it was in the early 1990s. In the last year, to the end of 2021/22, the Gini coefficient and most other measures of income inequality have increased in the UK.
The UK now has one of the highest levels of income inequality in Europe, as shown in the graph below.
Income inequality in the UK compared to European OECD countries (using the Gini coefficient)
click on graph to expand
Note
* The Gini coefficient measures the dispersion of the whole income distribution (rather than just comparing the extremes) and has a theoretical value ranging from 0 (representing complete equality in income) to 100 (representing complete inequality in income).
The measure used here is based on equivalised disposable income for an individual. This is based on a modified OECD scale with the reference point being a two adult household with no children.
Additional Resources
-
ResourceThursday, 26 May 2011
Your Better Life Index
A new, interactive index allowing users to measure and compare their lives. -
ResourceFriday, 25 March 2011
Monitoring Glasgow 1990
A report following Glasgow's year as European City of Culture, by John Myerscough -
ResourceWednesday, 22 December 2010
Economy & Labour Market Briefing
A review of economic and labour market data, with projections on what they mean for Glasgow. -
ResourceMonday, 26 April 2010
Economies of Life
An exploration of the principles of ecological and economical thinking and their relationship. -
ResourceMonday, 1 March 2010
Towards a Smarter Glasgow
A report which covers various aspects of the skills and educational performance of Glasgow, drawing conclusions on Glasgow’s performance in relation to the strategic objective of creating a Smarter Scotland. -
ResourceMonday, 1 February 2010
Towards a Wealthier & Fairer Glasgow
A report which examines the Purpose Targets set out in the National Performance Framework for Scotland, before a conclusion on Glasgow’s performance in relation to the strategic objective of creating a wealthier and fairer Scotland. -
ResourceSunday, 15 November 2009
A Step Change for Glasgow – Assessing Progress against Targets
Assessment of progress towards the targets laid out in 2006's A Step Change for Glasgow strategy. -
ResourceWednesday, 19 August 2009
A Games Legacy for Glasgow
Brochure outlining the potential legacy of Glasgow's role as Commonwealth Games host city in 2014. -
ResourceMonday, 3 April 2006
Let Glasgow Flourish
A comprehensive report on health and its determinants in Glasgow and West Central Scotland
