When modern GDP was designed in 1944, there was a conscious decision not to include the unpaid work of housework and voluntary work, nor to count the pollution costs of production. “Well being” of a nation wasn’t even considered, it

was beyond the economist’s imagination.

The post Covid world no longer fits the old fashioned blue collar world of factory outputs and the bricks and mortar services of white collar work. The 9-5 jobs for life are disappearing while technology is blurring the distinctions between public and private space, work and home. Covid 19, with the huge boost to home working and the possibilities of technology, will alter the world we live in. A new focus on who is of value to society and what makes a good citizen are being debated daily on our social media feeds, as caring and voluntary work are understood as of benefit to all. And it is increasingly clear that a sustainable environment is vital for our survival. Surely it is time to measure GDP differently so that policy makers can strive for different outcomes beyond annual output of goods and services.

Speakers include Ben Caldicott, Laura Trott MP, Fleur Butler and Dominic Burbage, and the event will be chaired by Anna Firth.

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