Did you hear the one about the inequality and the thinktank?

The Resolution Foundation's forthcoming research into the socioeconomics of Britain is likely to be no laughing matter

There's a joke, beloved of American economists, that has a chief executive, a member of the conservative Tea Party movement and public-sector employee sitting at a table eyeing a plate of 12 biscuits.

The chief exec grabs 11 of them, before turning to the Tea Party member and warning: "You better watch him. He wants your cookie."