Welcome to the 83rd edition of our Newsletter EdGenie's 📜 Sunday Scroll...

Every Sunday I send out actionable tips, tricks and real-world application insights from my 15 year experience coaching students to achieve As and A*s in their Economics A Levels via EdGenie.

Hey Genies, 👋

Every day I see ads claiming AI will revise everything for you.

All automated. All hands-free. Sounds tempting, right?

But let's get real - you're not a robot. 🤖

You're human. 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️

A-Level Economics isn't about "learning for learning’s sake."

It's dynamic.

Complex.

It needs context, application, and genuine understanding. 📚💡

Yes, technology can help you revise quicker.

But relying entirely on AI-driven tools means you’ll miss out on the essential human touch. 👐

Here's the thing:
❌ AI won’t sit down with you and explain exactly where you're going wrong.
❌ AI won’t hold your hand through tricky topics.
❌ AI won’t give you genuine feedback on your essays.

That’s why at EdGenie, our approach is different. 🌟

We blend innovative technology (around 30%) with personal, human support (70%).

We hold live classes, provide detailed feedback from actual human examiners, and offer personalised 1-on-1 guidance. 🗣️👥

Why?

Because that's what you really need.

You crave genuine interaction, tailored advice, and real motivation - not just algorithms. 🎯💪

Think about your favourite YouTubers or content creators. 📹

Their success comes from authenticity, genuine connections, and community - not automation.

Education is exactly the same.

So here's the actionable bit: 🛠️
✅ Don’t just rely on automated or animated revision platforms.
✅ Seek personal support. Ask questions.
✅ Engage with real people who genuinely care about your success. 🌟

Your future is worth more than automation alone - it's time to put in the real work.

You've got this, Genies!

Emre 🧞‍♂️

🍕 Pay Cuts & Role Changes at Pizza Hut: Over 100 delivery drivers in Scotland were told to either accept a pay cut, switch to in-store roles, or become self-employed.

💸 Rising Labour Costs: Employers are facing higher labour costs due to a 6.7% rise in the minimum wage and increased National Insurance Contributions (NICs).

⚠️ Union Concerns: Unite warned that this shift sets a dangerous precedent, with more companies potentially adopting insecure contracts.

📉 Disproportionate Impact on Low Earners: Low-paid and part-time workers will be hit hardest, with labour costs rising 14.2% for some compared to 1.7% for top earners.

📊 Predicted Job Losses: Resolution Foundation estimates 85,000 job losses, mainly among the lowest paid, due to poorly coordinated policy changes.

🏪 Retail & Hospitality Cuts: Hospitality jobs fell 1% in late 2024; big retailers like Sainsbury’s and Morrisons have cut jobs to offset wage pressures.

🛍️ Perks Being Dropped: Tesco is keeping pay above minimum wage but is removing Sunday premiums, reflecting cost-saving trade-offs.

🧊 Hiring Freezes & Delays: Employers are delaying hiring decisions, with many placing temporary freezes after the October Budget.

🧩 Policy Mismatch Risks: Business leaders worry the government’s goals (worker rights + job entry for the vulnerable) are clashing due to rising costs.

Q. Explain how a rise in both the National Insurance contributions (NICs) and the minimum wage might affect the supply of labour in low-wage sectors.
A. Higher minimum wages increase the reward for work, potentially raising labour supply as more individuals are willing to work at the new wage. However, the increase in NICs reduces take-home pay and may offset some of this incentive. For low-paid jobs, this could discourage marginal workers, such as students or second earners. Additionally, if employers cut hours or switch to self-employment contracts, effective labour supply may fall.

Q. Analyse how the increase in labour costs may impact employment levels in sectors such as hospitality and retail.
A. Higher labour costs can lead to reduced demand for labour, especially in low-margin sectors like hospitality. Firms may respond by reducing hours, cutting jobs, or automating roles. The Resolution Foundation estimates an 85,000 job reduction, mainly among the lowest earners. These adjustments help firms maintain profitability but reduce employment opportunities, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Q. To what extent are minimum wage policies effective in reducing poverty without harming employment? Refer to recent UK developments in your answer.
A. Minimum wages help reduce in-work poverty by lifting earnings for the lowest-paid. However, if set too high, they risk causing job losses or fewer hours, especially in competitive, low-skilled sectors. The policy is more effective when combined with in-work benefits and targeted support. As shown in the article, some firms may respond by cutting hours or shifting to self-employment.

Q. Rising labour costs will inevitably be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.
A. In low-wage sectors, firms often have slim profit margins, so rising labour costs are likely passed on through higher prices. However, the extent depends on demand elasticity. Inelastic demand allows price rises, but competitive pressures may limit this. Firms may also absorb costs by reducing services, perks, or investing in automation. Ultimately, the burden is shared across consumers and workers.
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If you or your child are looking to Boost your A level Economics Grades in under 30 days, I'd recommend starting with an all-in-one support network where you get 24/7 access to a SuperTutor:

→ Join EdGenie 🧞‍♂️: Transform your A-Level Economics essays and exam marks (genuinely) with our comprehensive on-demand learning platform. This carefully curated course blends engaging content with effective exam techniques, the same ones that have empowered over 1,000 of my students to achieve an A or A* over the last 13 years.