The Labour Force

Labour Force
This refers to those people between the ages of 16 to 69 years who are capable
and willing to work.
Dependency ratio
The dependency ratio relates to only those people who are in the labour force and
are employed as compared to the rest of the total population

For example: Country X has a population of 1,000,000. The number employed is

100,000

Dependency ratio= number employed: total population- number employed

= 1,000,000-100,000

=900,000= 1:9
Past Paper
Define the term ‘dependency ratio’ of a population. (2 marks)
Unemployable
A number of factors contribute to a person becoming employable. These include:

Being under the age of 16

Being over the age of 65yrs and retired and not seeking unemployment

Persons pursuing full time employment

Individuals serving prison time

Lack of basic skills and failure to meet minimum requirements

Employment
A person is considered to be employed if that person has a fulltime job and obtains
a salary or wage consistent with the qualifications he/she possesses
Past Paper June 2015
Outline TWO factors which influence employment in a country.
Unemployment
This refers to a situation where a person is in the labour force, is capable and
willing to work, but has not yet found a job
Underemployment
There are two situations in which a person may be considered to be
underemployed:

When a person has a temporary job whereby he/she works part time rather than
full time

When individuals accept jobs for which they are overqualified e.g. a University
graduate accepts a job as a cashier
Past Paper
Define the term ‘underemployment’
Types of unemployment
Cyclical

Seasonal

Casual/temporary

Normal

Structural

Technological
Cyclical Unemployment
A downturn in economic activity in a given area
Seasonal unemployment
The nature of some jobs necessitates that operate seasonally. This happens at the
end of periods of economic activity such as crop or tourist season.

Apple pickers
Casual/Temporary Unemployment
Casual workers often have periods of unemployment between jobs
Structural Unemployment
This occurs due to a fall in demand for one type of product or service
Technological Unemployment
This occurs due to the invention of Automation, mechanisation or computerisation

Kiss baking
Causes of unemployment in the Caribbean
The growth of Caribbean economies is not great enough to meet the demands for
jobs

Mechanized and capital- intensive businesses are growing; labour - intensive

industries are declining

Many raw materials are processed overseas, denying work to secondary and
tertiary level workers

High levels of import from foreign countries reduces the demand for local produce
which affects employment opportunities
Ways to reduce unemployment
The creation of industries through expanded government public works and greater
industrialization

Greater emphasis on the agricultural sector as the demand for food never ceases

The curricula in our schools should reflect an emphasis on technical/vocational

subjects such as welding, auto mechanical, electrical, beauty culture etc.

Development of the tourism sector as it has the potential for creating many jobs in
a variety of occupations
The World of Work: Career trends and qualifications
What are the new career trends?

What are the qualifications required to get these jobs?

What is career guidance?

Career Guidance
This the process of helping people to choose a career that is related to their
potential, interests, needs and ambitions
Processes to be considered in choosing a career
Levels of wages and salaries expected

Hours of work

Health and safety hazards on the job

Distance from place of residence

Recognition and status of the job

Opportunities for promotion

Opportunities to use creativity, talents and independence

Importance of choosing a career
It encourages people to realize their goals

Individuals will be able to perform at their best through their own choices

One finds self- fulfillment by engaging in activities which one likes

Stress levels will be minimal

Productivity will be high

Past Paper June 2015, 2016
Suggest THREE strategies school leavers may use to prepare for employment
when the number of traditional jobs is declining.

Jobseekers need a range of skills. These include interpersonal, academic and

technical and vocational skills.

(i) Identify TWO interpersonal skills which equip school leavers for the job market

Explain TWO ways in which Caribbean students can benefit from a technical and
vocational education.
Avenues to obtain information on career guidance
Guidance officers in school

Career guidance seminars

Discussion with employees in various fields

Books and magazines

The internet
Application for employment
Application for employment
Self Employment
There are many benefits of self employment.These include:

All profits made belong to the business owner

Freedom to make all policy decisions without conflicts

No expensive and lengthy legal formalities

Rights of workers
A contented worker is a productive worker some rights which workers have are:

The right to join a trade union

Factories Ordinance provide regulations regarding health, sanitation and safety on

the job

Retrenchment and Severance Benefits Act makes provision to pay compensation

when employees are retrenched

Maternity Protection Act

Rights of workers
Minimum Wage Act

Equal Opportunity Act

Workmen’s Compensation Act