The Consequences of a Slowly Growing/ Declining Population

Question 1

Workforce

Answer 1

Fewer children means a smaller economically active population in the future – not enough people to fill jobs

Question 2

Immigration

Answer 2

Smaller economically active population may lead to increased immigration to fill these jobs which causes tension between some cultures/ethnic groups.

Question 3

Robots

Answer 3

Increase in robots doing the jobs of people.

Question 4

Skill Gap

Answer 4

There will be lower unemployment in the future however this decrease in the economically active population may result in a skills gap.

Question 5

Closure of Schools

Answer 5

There is less need for schools and school teachers which may result in closure of schools and teacher unemployment.

Question 6

Pensions

Answer 6

Increased cost of pensions to the government meaning less money is invested in other vital sectors such as healthcare.

Question 7

Increased Tax

Answer 7

Increased tax contributions for the economically active population in order to fund the older dependents.

Question 8

Raised Retirement Age

Answer 8

This means the retirement age may have to be raised allowing the government to pay out pensions at a later date.

Question 9

Health Services

Answer 9

Increased strain/cost on the Health Service to meet the needs of the ageing population (hospital beds and medicine).

Question 10

Social Care

Answer 10

Social care (e.g. care homes) will be put under pressure and may not meet everyone’s needs – spending may have to be increased in this area.