Workforce

Nature and structure of the labour force, demographics

The working age population of Stockport comprises 88,900 males and 82,100 females. Of these, 77,600 males (85.3%) and 66,400 females are economically active.

The ONS Annual population survey indicates that that there are 1,444,000 (80.7%) economically active people in Stockport, of which 19,600 (10.9%) are in self-employment and 136,200 (76.3%) are employees. The respective figures regionally and nationally for economically active people are 76.3% and 78.8%.

According to the latest data available, 60.9% of the working age population is in employment, which is close to the regional and National levels. Stockport has 45.9% working in managerial, professional and technical occupations, compared with 40.3% regionally and 43.4% nationally. 16.6% are employed in managerial positions, compared with 14.6% regionally and 15.4% nationally.

Education and Qualification

Stockport has a highly educated population and workforce. Over 31% of its working age workforce is qualified to NVQ level 4, which compares very favourably when set against 25% regionally and 29% nationally. This is again replicated at NVQ Levels1, 2 & 3, as per table below.

Availability

The local labour force is flexible in terms of travelling to work. 835,000 people live within a 45 minute peak hour journey distance to Stockport, with 540,000 of these being of working age. In addition, the 5 universities in the Greater Manchester City Region provide a pool of 100,000 students within close proximity to Stockport.

Stockport has the second lowest rate of unemployment in Greater Manchester which demonstrates that the workforce is multi-skilled and adaptable to changing working environments.

An estimated 42,000 people commute to Stockport to work each day, and 77,000 both live and work in Stockport. A further 59,000 commute out of the borough to work. (2001 Census)

Labour Costs

The labour costs in the borough meet the requirements of the wages as set by the Public and large Private sector employers. But small companies, whilst adhering to the minimum wage, can normally pay less in comparison to similar employers based in large cities such as Manchester. The benefits of working in Stockport for its residents are savings in travel time and cost.

Median weekly pay rates for employees in Stockport in 2008 were £476 per week, compared to a national figure of £478.60.

Training and Recruitment Initiatives

Job Centre Plus offers a vacancy advertising service for local employers, and a range of advice and information in terms of recruitment and training. Train to Gain and similar initiatives are available to businesses in Stockport, and Stockport Council works very proactively with Jobcentre Plus and Connexions in organising an annual Jobs Fair.

Stockport Council also works with partners to access information regarding graduate job seekers, and can assist in making contact with relevant departments within universities and colleges.