December 2021

This is the first of a series of reports on productivity that the Association is undertaking. This report titled Tackling the UK Productivity Puzzle focusses on factors the UK government and finance professionals must be aware of and what changes are needed to make a difference and tackle the productivity slowdown.

The report focuses upon:

• How is productivity defined, measured and controlled on a micro and macro level
• What drives productivity and what are the barriers to it
• How members can set and manage the productivity agenda of their organisations
• What the UK government can do to ensure productivity improves in the UK and support the aims of levelling up.

The report captures management accountants’ roles in decision-making and strategies for productivity growth. Their contribution to analysing and measuring firms' level of productivity is critical and with that in mind the report aims to inform and provoke CIMA members to develop a holistic approach towards analysing and managing productivity. It also includes recommendations to policy makers and business leaders that aim to support them in improving productivity.