Issues Index

Concern about unemployment rises to highest level this century, and concern about Europe/EU is now highest in over six years (though mentioned by fewer than one in ten)

The September Economist/Ipsos issues index shows that almost seven in ten (68%) are concerned about the economy, an increase of nine percentage points since September, and the highest level since the coalition came to power in May last year

Concern about unemployment rises to the highest level in over two years

Concern about individual behaviour/morality also increases in the aftermath of the riots in England

Following the riots in England, concern about crime and anti-social behaviour increases to highest level in two years.

Concern about Britain's ageing population - including social care and pensions - increases this month, although still far behind other domestic issues

Economy remains the number one issue, with concern about unemployment, inflation and prices creeping up

In a month in which the spotlight has been fixed on the reform of the health service, the Economist/Ipsos Issues Index shows that a quarter of the public (26%) think that the NHS is one of the most important issues facing Britain. This is an increase of six percentage points since April, and the highest level of concern since January 2008.

Rise in concern about the economy and defence/foreign affairs amid the Portuguese bailout and Libya crisis

The most marked increase this month is with petrol prices/fuel. One in seven (15%) are concerned about this, an increase of seven percentage points since last month, and the highest since July 2008. Those who are most concerned include those in rural areas (20%), those in social grades DE (21%) and those in Scotland (27%).