3.5.1 employment patterns

Question 1

What is the global labour force estimated to increase to by 2030?

Answer 1

3.5 billion.

Question 2

Who will be the main contributors to growth of global labour force?

Answer 2

Developing countries, which are moving away from traditionally rural backgrounds and towards industry.

Question 3

Why has the global labour market become increasingly interdependent?

Answer 3

Events in each individual labour market affect the global market.

Can be argued that it is harder for labour in developed countries to compete with low-cost labour in developing countries, and that there has been lower wages and higher unemployment as a result.

Question 4

Why is India developing its IT industry?

Answer 4

Workers have become increasingly specialised with these skills. Labour is cheaper in India than western labour markets, so demand for labour to develop software has fallen in the west.