Concept of labour and factors affecting the size of abour force

INTRODUCTION

Labour can be defined as all human efforts of any kind, either skilled or unskilled, mental or manual, directed towards the production of goods and services.

Market, on the other hand, is defined as a place or any means of communication whereby the sellers and buyers can communicate with one another, to exchange goods and services at prices determined by the market forces.


Labour market is defined as a market in which buyers and sellers of labour are in close contact during the wages and other conditions of services are determined and agreed upon. Labour is the factor of production which is usually bought and sold in the market.

Labour force is the total number of persons available to supply the labour for the production of economic goods and services. In other words, it is the total number of people of working age in a country who are able and willing to work by law. It is the active or working population and it comprises all persons who have jobs and those who are seeking for jobs in the labour market. They are normally between the age bracket of

To be a member of the labour force, onw must be of a working age (18 to 65 years), be able-bodied i.e not handicapped, either mentally or physically, and must be willing to work.

Persons that are not members of the labour force include:
1. Children of school age.
2. The elderly (above 65 years).
3. The handicapped.
4. Persons even though they are able-bodied but are not willing to work.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE SIZE OF LABOUR FORCE

1. Population size of a country: The larger the population, the greater the number of labour to be supplied.

2. Official school leaving age: If school leaving age is low, the proportion of labour force will be high.

3. Retirement age: The age of exit in the public employment will determine the labour force. The older the age, the more the supply of labour and vice versa.

4. Pursuit of higher education: Many people in their pursuit for higher education, go beyond the official entry age into the labour force.

5. Age structure of population: The structure of a country's population is a significant determinant of the size of the labour force. The lower the dependent people, the higher the supply of labour and vice versa. In other words, labour force will increasein a country with a greater number of its people between the ages of 18 and 65 years.

6. Roles of women in the society: In some societies, women are usually prevented from engaging in gainful employment because of religious belief, social and cultural factors and this affects the size of labour force.

7. Number of working hours and working days.

8. The number of disabled.

9. the number of people unwilling to work.

10. Migration.

11. Trade Union activities.

12. Government policies.