There are currently a wide range of independent UK regulatory bodies, covering both public services and private industry, which provide functions relating to consumer protection, economic regulation, competition and fair trading policy, professional standards and technical oversight.

BBC: Scotland politics

Employment has continued to expand as job losses in manufacturing and residential construction have been more than offset by gains in other sectors, notably health care, leisure and hospitality, and professional and technical services, and unemployment remains low by historical standards.

NPR: Bernanke: U.S. Growth 'Moderate' as Inflation Rises