Issues Index

Concern about defence and race/immigration increases, although the economy remains the key issue for now

Ipsos's October Issues Index shows that the economy remains the most important issue facing the country today. Over half of the public (52%) place it amongst the most important issues facing Britain. This is a similar percentage to the number who cited this issue in June, July and August of this year.

Ipsos's monthly Issues Index shows that three in ten respondents (30%) are concerned about Unemployment, a five point increase on last month and the highest level of concern measured since December 1998. This comes after the release of ONS figures showing the number of unemployed at 2.435 million - the highest figure since 1995.

As has been the case since September 2008, the economy is the most important issue facing the country today according to the public. Over half (55%) place it amongst the most important issues, a similar percentage to the number who cited this issue last month (54%).

Indeed, the economy shows no sign of being knocked off the top spot - the second highest issue (race relations/immigration) is cited as an important issue by only half as many respondents (27%).

Ipsos's June Issues Index shows that, according to the public, the economy remains the most important issue facing the country, as has been the case since September of last year. Over half (54%) see it is an important issue, though this represents a drop of five percentage points since May. This is also a drop of sixteen percentage points since January, when seven in ten (70%) saw it as among the most important issues.

Ipsos's May Issues Index shows that, according to the public, the economy remains the most important issue facing the country.

The economy is still the most important issue facing Britain, while, as Britain withdraws from Iraq, concern about defence and foreign affairs is at its lowest since 9/11.

Ipsos's February Issues Index shows that the economy remains the most important issue facing Britain as far as the public are concerned. However, the percentage of those saying the economy is among the most important issues facing Britain (67%) has decreased since last month (when it peaked at 70%). This is the first time since July 2008 that there has been a drop (albeit a small one) in the number concerned about the economy. Crime remains in second place, cited as an important issue by a third (32%) of the public.

Economy is overwhelmingly seen as one of the main issues facing Britain, and concern about unemployment is growing