Mind the gaps: the evolution of regional inequalities in the UK, 1982-1997

Duranton, Gilles and Monastiriotis, Vassilis ORCID: 0000-0003-3709-3119 (2000) Mind the gaps: the evolution of regional inequalities in the UK, 1982-1997. CEPDP (485). London School of Economics and Political Science. Centre for Economic Performance, London, UK. ISBN 0753014432

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Abstract

In this paper we apply earnings equations for UK regions over 1982-1997. We find strong evidence of rapid convergence across regions regarding the determinants of individual wages (ie regional fixed-effects, gender gaps and returns to education and experience). Data on average regional earnings, by contrast, point at a worsening of UK regional inequalities and a rise in the North-South gap. Education accounts for most of the discrepancy between aggregate divergence and disaggregated convergence. First, London gained because its workforce became relatively more educated over the period. Second, returns to education increased nation-wide, which favoured the most educated regions (ie London). Third, returns to education were initially lower in London but they (partially) caught up with the rest of the country. Had returns to education and their distribution across UK regions remained stable over the period, the UK North-South divide would have decreased.

Item Type:	Monograph (Discussion Paper)
Official URL:	http://cep.lse.ac.uk
Additional Information:	© 2000 the authors
Divisions:	European Institute Hellenic Observatory Centre for Economic Performance Geography & Environment
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
Date Deposited:	29 Jul 2008 16:44
Last Modified:	01 Nov 2024 04:50
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/20135

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