Observation

This question attracted quite a large number of candidates, most of whom scored above average marks. The question required candidates to define labour force, explain the concept of occupational and geographical mobility of labour and outline four factors that influence the size of the labour force in a country in the (a), (b) and (c) parts of the question respectively. Most candidates were able to define labour force, explain occupational and geographical mobility of labour but few of them failed to adequately explain the factors that can influence the size of a country’s labour force in the (c) part of the question. Candidates were expected to answer thus:

a Labour force may be defined as the proportion of the total population of a country who are currently employed or are actively seeking employment. 

                                                    
b(i)Occupational mobility of labour is the ease with which labour moves from one job to another e.g. banking to teaching.

(ii) Geographical mobility is the ease with which labour moves from one location to another e.g. A teacher moving from Banjul to Monrovia

c(i)It helps to solve the basic economic problems of the society.

(ii)It helps in making rational choices by drawing scales of preference.

(iii)It helps to promote welfare by emphasizing opportunity cost.

(iv)It gives intellectual training on economic problems by training the mind to reason logically.
(v)It helps to predict economic trends in an economy with some level of precision.

(vi)It is useful in the study of other disciplines like engineering, business administration  etc.

(vii)     It helps the individual to understand the economic policies of government e.g. budget.

(viii)    It helps individuals to acquire skills which are useful in various jobs and professions.

c(i)       If the official school-leaving age is reduced, the size of the labour force will increase.

(ii)If the age of retirement is extended from say 60 years to 65 years, the size of the labour force will increase.

(iii)  Ceteris paribus, a country with larger population will have a large labour force, while one  with smaller population will have a small labour force.

(iv)  Where a large proportion of the population is willing to work, the labour force will be large.

(v)   If more women are full-time housewives, the size of the labour force will reduce.

(vi)  If a large proportion of the working group is sick and disabled, the size of the labour force will reduce.

(vii) If more people decide to pursue higher education, the labour force will be reduced.

(viii)If people voluntarily retire, the size of the labour force will reduce.

(ix)  If the age structure of population changes in favour of the working population, the labour force will increase.