Factfile - Labour Market
Introduction
Population levels are critical to the labour market as they affect both the supply of the labour and the demand for local products and services. The estimated population of the Outer Hebrides in 2008 was 26,200; comprising approximately 12,900 males and 13,300 females. In the decade between 1998 and 2008 the population declined by -5.8%; this is compared to a 1.8% increase over Scotland as a whole. The decline in population is projected to continue with a population figure of 24,892 estimated by 2031. For more information please go to the Population pages.
Those of working age in the Outer Hebrides (comprising males aged 16–64 and females aged 16–59) represented 58.3% of the population in 2008. In comparison: Scotland was 62.6%; Highland 60.5%; Shetland 60.9%; and Orkney 59.8%.
For the purposes of Census information, working age is categorised as all those between the ages of 16 and 74. On this basis, in 2001, there were 18,949 people in the Outer Hebrides of working age, 71.5% of the total population.
Details on the current labour market can be found in the following pages onEmployment and Unemployment.
Economic / Employment Structure
The Outer Hebrides economy has a highly unusual structure, with the majority of activity narrowly focused in certain sectors. The public sector has a dominant position within the overall economy as shown in the pie chart below. For more information please go to the Economy pages.
Outer Hebrides Economic Structure
Skills and Qualifications
The 2001 Census showed that 26% of Outer Hebrides residents hold higher-level qualifications (HND, degree, professional qualification) against 29% for Scotland. 31% have no educational qualifications, greater than the 27% across Scotland.
Census data also suggests a link between economic activity and qualifications. Statistics indicate that economically active residents were more qualified than those inactive in the labour market. 43% of the economically inactive have no qualifications.
