Politics

Current net figure of -68 even slightly lower than levels recorded during some of the most challenging economic periods in recent history, including January 1980 recession, 2008 financial crash, and the 2022 start of the cost-of-living crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and invasion of Ukraine.

New research from Ipsos in the UK sheds light on the factors shaping voter decisions in the upcoming local elections on May 1, 2025.

Pulse Check - April 2025

Public favourability ratings for Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves and Labour all dip this month, cancelling out much of last month’s improvement.

Almost nine in ten (88%) Britons are concerned about the current cost of energy. Nearly eight in ten (77%) are concerned about how dependent the UK is on energy imports from other countries.

Four in ten (39%) see the economy as one of the biggest issues for the country, up five points since March.

There is widespread support among British public for key workplace DEI initiatives, including flexible working (71%), gender pay gap reporting (65%), and inclusivity training (64%). However, men (43%) are significantly more likely than women (29%) to believe DEI initiatives in general have gone ‘too far’ in UK workplaces.

Only three in ten (30%) Britons now agree there is a "special relationship" between the US and UK - a significant 17-point drop from previous year.

To mark the 5th anniversary of Keir Starmer becoming leader of the Labour party (4 April 2025), Ipsos UK has compiled our data on his personal approval ratings, as well as key indicators on his government’s performance.