Unpacking the Spring Forecast

Unpacking the Spring Forecast

From Director Podcast by Institute of Directors

March 4, 2026 · 22 min

About this episode

Anna Leach and Ben Walker discuss the implications of the Chancellor’s Spring Forecast on the UK economy.

In this snap reaction episode, Anna Leach (IoD Chief Economist) and host Ben Walker break down the Chancellor’s Spring Forecast and the latest outlook from the Office for Budget Responsibility. With no new tax announcements but higher public spending and shifting fiscal headroom, what does it mean for business confidence and competitiveness? We explore downgraded growth projections, pressure on the labour market, rising employment costs, and why the UK’s economic outlook is becoming increasingly fragile.

People in this episode

Host: Ben Walker

Guest: Anna Leach

Topics covered

  • Spring Forecast
  • economic outlook
  • business confidence
  • public spending
  • labour market
  • employment costs

Keywords

  • Spring Forecast
  • economic outlook
  • business confidence
  • labour market
  • employment costs
  • public spending
  • growth projections

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Office for Budget Responsibility, Institute of Directors

Places: UK

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