Public concern about the economy continues to rise to its highest level for a year

The November 2024 Ipsos Issues Index reveals that economy has returned as the most mentioned important issue facing Britain, while concern about immigration and the NHS has fallen slightly.

Thirty-nine per cent of Britons say the economy is a big issue for the country, up three percentage points since October, and an increase of ten points from September. This is its highest point since October last year (when it reached 38%).  Concern is higher still among those in social grades AB (53%), Labour supporters (51%) and people living in Scotland (46%). It is also seen as the single most important issue facing the country by a fifth of Britons (21%).

The proportion mentioning immigration as a big issue has fallen by five points since October, meaning it is now the second-biggest issue for the country. However, public concern remains significant, with a third (33%) mentioning it as an issue. Concern is still strongly concentrated among supporters of Reform UK (77%) and the Conservative party (51%), as well as those aged 55 and over (47%).

The NHS remains the third-biggest issue, mentioned by 28% of Britons and down five points on last month. Inflation and housing are the fourth- and fifth-biggest issues, with concern for both relatively unchanged since last month.

Mike Clemence, Research Director at Ipsos said:

Against a backdrop of slow growth and a slight increase in inflation, public concern about the economy continues to rise – it has displaced immigration as the top issue facing the country this month. 
However immigration and the NHS remain highly salient issues for the public. While worry about the health service is broadly held, concern about immigration is very high among some groups but far lower among others.

Technical note

Ipsos' Issues Index is conducted monthly and provides an overview of the key issues concerning the country. Ipsos interviewed a representative sample of 1,008 adults aged 18+ across Great Britain. The answers are spontaneous responses, and participants are not prompted with any answers. Ipsos’ telephone omnibus was used for this survey. Interviews were conducted between 6-12 November 2024. Data are weighted to match the profile of the population. All polls are subject to a wide range of potential sources of error.