Jim McCormick
@jimmccormick.bsky.social
CEO at The Robertson Trust, an independent funder for Scotland on Poverty and Trauma. Also on LinkedIn. No longer on the site known for tweets. All things solving poverty. Likes: walks by water, music, film, Morton FC. In Glasgow, born Dublin. Joined 08/24
Reposted by Jim McCormick
Huge respect to the papers for finding both an 88 year old worried about the tax bill on her 6 bedroom Kensington house and a 20 year old fretting about only being able to save £12k a year tax free.
Top work all around. These are not easy case studies to find.
Top work all around. These are not easy case studies to find.
November 29, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Huge respect to the papers for finding both an 88 year old worried about the tax bill on her 6 bedroom Kensington house and a 20 year old fretting about only being able to save £12k a year tax free.
Top work all around. These are not easy case studies to find.
Top work all around. These are not easy case studies to find.
Reposted by Jim McCormick
Scrapping the two-child limit in full is a monumental decision. Well done to all involved in the Child Poverty Strategy, and everyone who has made the case against the policy.
OBR says scrapping costs £3 billion in 2029-30 and will lift 450,000 out of poverty
OBR says scrapping costs £3 billion in 2029-30 and will lift 450,000 out of poverty
November 26, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Scrapping the two-child limit in full is a monumental decision. Well done to all involved in the Child Poverty Strategy, and everyone who has made the case against the policy.
OBR says scrapping costs £3 billion in 2029-30 and will lift 450,000 out of poverty
OBR says scrapping costs £3 billion in 2029-30 and will lift 450,000 out of poverty
Reposted by Jim McCormick
"By 2025, Brexit had reduced UK GDP by 6% to 8%, with the impact accumulating gradually over time. We estimate that investment was reduced by between 12% and 18%, employment by 3% to 4% and productivity by 3% to 4%"
Read the Stanford report:
siepr.stanford.edu/publications...
Read the Stanford report:
siepr.stanford.edu/publications...
The Economic Impact of Brexit
Other
siepr.stanford.edu
November 25, 2025 at 7:31 PM
"By 2025, Brexit had reduced UK GDP by 6% to 8%, with the impact accumulating gradually over time. We estimate that investment was reduced by between 12% and 18%, employment by 3% to 4% and productivity by 3% to 4%"
Read the Stanford report:
siepr.stanford.edu/publications...
Read the Stanford report:
siepr.stanford.edu/publications...
Reposted by Jim McCormick
Great piece by @jburnmurdoch.ft.com about the weird hollowing out of the UK tax system, how it compares with Scandinavia (vastly MORE progressive), and the strange reluctance of anyone in politics to talk about this truth.
on.ft.com/4abEiUj
on.ft.com/4abEiUj
Britain’s tax system combines the worst of the US and Scandinavia
[FREE TO READ] The UK’s experiment in eating the rich while shrinking the state has left everyone worse off
on.ft.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Great piece by @jburnmurdoch.ft.com about the weird hollowing out of the UK tax system, how it compares with Scandinavia (vastly MORE progressive), and the strange reluctance of anyone in politics to talk about this truth.
on.ft.com/4abEiUj
on.ft.com/4abEiUj
Reposted by Jim McCormick
Our new research, in partnership with @trusselluk.bsky.social & @opfs.org.uk using Scotland data from @citizensadvicescot.bsky.social & @stepchange.bsky.social, confirms the impact of the public debt crisis is most often felt by women as they are more often caring for children.
November 25, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Our new research, in partnership with @trusselluk.bsky.social & @opfs.org.uk using Scotland data from @citizensadvicescot.bsky.social & @stepchange.bsky.social, confirms the impact of the public debt crisis is most often felt by women as they are more often caring for children.
Reposted by Jim McCormick
This ⬇️
Lifting the 2 child limit is the single most effective thing the Chancellor can do to reduce child poverty & give kids a decent start in life.
Labour promised to end the need for emergency food & tackle child poverty. Ending the 2CL would be a big step to delivering those promises.
Lifting the 2 child limit is the single most effective thing the Chancellor can do to reduce child poverty & give kids a decent start in life.
Labour promised to end the need for emergency food & tackle child poverty. Ending the 2CL would be a big step to delivering those promises.
This is good news. But the framing that moves to reduce poverty are simply backbench tantrums is bizarre revisionism.
The govt has manifesto commitments to reduce foodbank use and MPs and members have a deep commitment to reduce poverty & improve social mobility. Strange to ignore that.
The govt has manifesto commitments to reduce foodbank use and MPs and members have a deep commitment to reduce poverty & improve social mobility. Strange to ignore that.
Rachel Reeves insists that the wider welfare bill must be tackled as polling shows Britons would prefer public service spending cuts to tax rises
November 23, 2025 at 10:24 AM
This ⬇️
Lifting the 2 child limit is the single most effective thing the Chancellor can do to reduce child poverty & give kids a decent start in life.
Labour promised to end the need for emergency food & tackle child poverty. Ending the 2CL would be a big step to delivering those promises.
Lifting the 2 child limit is the single most effective thing the Chancellor can do to reduce child poverty & give kids a decent start in life.
Labour promised to end the need for emergency food & tackle child poverty. Ending the 2CL would be a big step to delivering those promises.
Reposted by Jim McCormick
This is good news. But the framing that moves to reduce poverty are simply backbench tantrums is bizarre revisionism.
The govt has manifesto commitments to reduce foodbank use and MPs and members have a deep commitment to reduce poverty & improve social mobility. Strange to ignore that.
The govt has manifesto commitments to reduce foodbank use and MPs and members have a deep commitment to reduce poverty & improve social mobility. Strange to ignore that.
Rachel Reeves insists that the wider welfare bill must be tackled as polling shows Britons would prefer public service spending cuts to tax rises
Chancellor to scrap two-child benefit cap but pledge welfare reform
Rachel Reeves insists that the wider welfare bill must be tackled as polling shows Britons would prefer public service spending cuts to tax rises
www.thetimes.com
November 23, 2025 at 10:08 AM
This is good news. But the framing that moves to reduce poverty are simply backbench tantrums is bizarre revisionism.
The govt has manifesto commitments to reduce foodbank use and MPs and members have a deep commitment to reduce poverty & improve social mobility. Strange to ignore that.
The govt has manifesto commitments to reduce foodbank use and MPs and members have a deep commitment to reduce poverty & improve social mobility. Strange to ignore that.
Reposted by Jim McCormick
Metaphorically and, it turns out, literally.
Scotland fans shook the earth in win over Denmark
Seismic activity was recorded as the Tartan Army celebrated Scotland reaching their first World Cup since 1998.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 22, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Metaphorically and, it turns out, literally.
Reposted by Jim McCormick
Here’s a snapshot of the pillars guiding Change Takes Trust to 2028. 🌟
Watch this space for stories, blogs, and insights from partners and staff ⤵️
therobertsontrust.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
Watch this space for stories, blogs, and insights from partners and staff ⤵️
therobertsontrust.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
November 21, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Here’s a snapshot of the pillars guiding Change Takes Trust to 2028. 🌟
Watch this space for stories, blogs, and insights from partners and staff ⤵️
therobertsontrust.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
Watch this space for stories, blogs, and insights from partners and staff ⤵️
therobertsontrust.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
And play it in repeat...until the root cause and consequences, especially for low and middle income households, are recognised and serious plans are put in place.
Brexit has caused almost twice as much damage to the UK economy than estimated by official forecasts, according to new paper from a group of experts including a senior Bank of England economist
Brexit Hit to UK Economy Double Official Estimate, Study Finds
Brexit has caused almost twice as much damage to the UK economy than estimated by official forecasts, according to new paper from a group of experts including a senior Bank of England economist.
bloom.bg
November 22, 2025 at 8:24 AM
And play it in repeat...until the root cause and consequences, especially for low and middle income households, are recognised and serious plans are put in place.
Reposted by Jim McCormick
Watch our CEO Jim McCormick introduce Change Takes Trust and explain how it will guide our work over the next three years
November 18, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Watch our CEO Jim McCormick introduce Change Takes Trust and explain how it will guide our work over the next three years
Reposted by Jim McCormick
Our brand has evolved alongside Change Takes Trust. Progressive Heritage honours our past while showing who we are today. We’re excited to share this alongside the launch of our new plan.
www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/news/introdu...
www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/news/introdu...
November 17, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Our brand has evolved alongside Change Takes Trust. Progressive Heritage honours our past while showing who we are today. We’re excited to share this alongside the launch of our new plan.
www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/news/introdu...
www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/news/introdu...
Reposted by Jim McCormick
Introducing Change Takes Trust – our new delivery plan to 2028. Read CEO Jim McCormick’s blog: www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/news/introdu...
November 17, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Introducing Change Takes Trust – our new delivery plan to 2028. Read CEO Jim McCormick’s blog: www.therobertsontrust.org.uk/news/introdu...
Reposted by Jim McCormick
Another fantastic new stylized fact from @jburnmurdoch.ft.com - stable or declining NEET rates in many developed economies have been driven by a decline in parenting. The share neither studying, in work, looking for work, *or parenting* has marched up steadily since 2000. www.ft.com/content/bd61...
November 14, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Another fantastic new stylized fact from @jburnmurdoch.ft.com - stable or declining NEET rates in many developed economies have been driven by a decline in parenting. The share neither studying, in work, looking for work, *or parenting* has marched up steadily since 2000. www.ft.com/content/bd61...
Reposted by Jim McCormick
The reaction to the Panorama edit has been nothing short of hysterical. Yes the BBC has some impartiality problems. But its biggest isn't the one you think.
New piece from me.
open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
New piece from me.
open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
The truth about impartiality at the BBC
And the hysteria of the current "crisis"
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 7:22 PM
The reaction to the Panorama edit has been nothing short of hysterical. Yes the BBC has some impartiality problems. But its biggest isn't the one you think.
New piece from me.
open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
New piece from me.
open.substack.com/pub/goodalla...
Reposted by Jim McCormick
📒 Government published Sir Charlie Mayfield's ‘Keep Britain Working’ report today.
An ambitious framework for how employers can support workers in ill-health.
Focus must be here to shift the dial on employment of disabled people & benefit spend, not cutting people's benefits. 🧵
An ambitious framework for how employers can support workers in ill-health.
Focus must be here to shift the dial on employment of disabled people & benefit spend, not cutting people's benefits. 🧵
This morning's reading: "Employers join forces with government to tackle ill-health and keep Britain working" from Department of Health and Social Care www.gov.uk/government/n...
Employers join forces with government to tackle ill-health and keep Britain working
More than 60 major and many small employers are joining forces with government to tackle the rising tide of ill-health that is pushing people out of work and holding back growth.
www.gov.uk
November 5, 2025 at 5:49 PM
📒 Government published Sir Charlie Mayfield's ‘Keep Britain Working’ report today.
An ambitious framework for how employers can support workers in ill-health.
Focus must be here to shift the dial on employment of disabled people & benefit spend, not cutting people's benefits. 🧵
An ambitious framework for how employers can support workers in ill-health.
Focus must be here to shift the dial on employment of disabled people & benefit spend, not cutting people's benefits. 🧵
Some bright news as @juliaunwin.bsky.social is named as the UK Government's preferred candidate to become Chair of the Charity Commission for England and Wales (link below) 👏🔥💡
November 3, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Some bright news as @juliaunwin.bsky.social is named as the UK Government's preferred candidate to become Chair of the Charity Commission for England and Wales (link below) 👏🔥💡
Reposted by Jim McCormick
Screaming into the void "It's called guising!"
October 31, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Screaming into the void "It's called guising!"
Reposted by Jim McCormick
No elections in Scotland this week but this is very important content from Ireland in the race for the Áras.
The home of the O'Donovan family is being used as a polling station in Coolmoyne, Co Tipperary. Around 250 people are eligible to vote at the house and after they cast their ballot, they will be treated to a cup of tea, a slice of apple or rhubarb tart, or a scone | More: rte.ie/b/1540324
October 24, 2025 at 11:35 AM
No elections in Scotland this week but this is very important content from Ireland in the race for the Áras.
Reposted by Jim McCormick
That's racism. Plain and simple.
No other word for it.
It's shocking beyond belief that this sort of thing is somehow acceptable.
No other word for it.
It's shocking beyond belief that this sort of thing is somehow acceptable.
Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin, “It drives me mad seeing adverts full of black people, full of Asian people, full of anything other than white"
Followed by that time Sarah Pochin said, "My kids say: mum, you're such a moron" 👀
Followed by that time Sarah Pochin said, "My kids say: mum, you're such a moron" 👀
October 25, 2025 at 12:41 PM
That's racism. Plain and simple.
No other word for it.
It's shocking beyond belief that this sort of thing is somehow acceptable.
No other word for it.
It's shocking beyond belief that this sort of thing is somehow acceptable.
Reposted by Jim McCormick
📊 Latest inflation figures published this morning show that CPI inflation sat at 3.8% for September.
Why does this month's figure matter more?
The government will use it to inform how much to uprate benefits by from April 2026. 🔽
Why does this month's figure matter more?
The government will use it to inform how much to uprate benefits by from April 2026. 🔽
October 22, 2025 at 9:15 AM
📊 Latest inflation figures published this morning show that CPI inflation sat at 3.8% for September.
Why does this month's figure matter more?
The government will use it to inform how much to uprate benefits by from April 2026. 🔽
Why does this month's figure matter more?
The government will use it to inform how much to uprate benefits by from April 2026. 🔽
Reposted by Jim McCormick
It’s genuinely funny that Jenrick thinks 1980s football hooliganism was largely good-natured fun.
If Robert Jenrick thinks the story of 1980s football hooliganism is ‘The police put a quick but firm end to it’, I’ve a big bag of magic beans that he’s gonna *love*
October 17, 2025 at 6:07 PM
It’s genuinely funny that Jenrick thinks 1980s football hooliganism was largely good-natured fun.
Reposted by Jim McCormick
We’re pleased to announce £379K in Programme Awards for seven ambitious projects with the potential to create lasting change in poverty and trauma in #Scotland.
October 6, 2025 at 10:53 AM
We’re pleased to announce £379K in Programme Awards for seven ambitious projects with the potential to create lasting change in poverty and trauma in #Scotland.
Reposted by Jim McCormick
Another reason the government must unfreeze Local Housing Allowance and create a reliable link with rents.
We really don’t want to see these numbers continuing to climb.
We really don’t want to see these numbers continuing to climb.
Homelessness stats just out show another new record in households (132k) and children (172k) living in temporary accommodation. Up 7.5% in last year
www.gov.uk/government/s...
www.gov.uk/government/s...
October 16, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Another reason the government must unfreeze Local Housing Allowance and create a reliable link with rents.
We really don’t want to see these numbers continuing to climb.
We really don’t want to see these numbers continuing to climb.
Reposted by Jim McCormick
Growing the green economy makes good sense. Growing the fossil fuel economy so that predatory corporations can make more money doesn't.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Climate investment is only growth opportunity of 21st century, says leading economist
Lord Stern says fossil-fuelled growth is futile as the damage it causes ends in economic self-destruction
www.theguardian.com
October 14, 2025 at 7:32 AM
Growing the green economy makes good sense. Growing the fossil fuel economy so that predatory corporations can make more money doesn't.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...