The Economics Department of the OECD has two broad work streams: country reviews and cross-cutting macro-economic and structural analysis.

The Delegation is most involved in the country work, and plays an active role in the examination of the UK economy, as well as the peer review process of the Economic Development Review Committee (EDRC).

The last UK Survey was published in September 2007, and focused on the UK’s response to the challenges of globalisation. It found that the UK’s “willingness to embrace the opportunities offered by globalisation”, coupled with “sound institutional arrangements”, had contributed to a strong growth performance. This is emphasised by the fact that GDP per capita in the UK is currently the third highest in the G7, when ten years ago it was the lowest.
 
The report also suggests two main areas which could be improved; making sure the least skilled are better equipped to benefit from globalisation, and improving the conditions for better business productivity and job creation. The next UK survey should take place in 2009.

The OECD publishes forecasts of the UK economy twice a year in the Economic Outlook.