Theory question 105
Labour MarketSection B (answer four questions only from this section)
(a) What is mobility of labour?
(b) What factors serve as obstacles to occupational mobility of labour?
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(a) Mobility of labour is the ease with which labour moves from one occupation to another (occupational mobility) or from one place to another (geographical mobility).
(b) Obstacles to occupational mobility:
Long and costly training or retraining needed for the new job.
Lack of the natural ability, skill or talent required.
Age: older workers find it hard to learn new skills and employers may not hire them.
Restrictions by professional bodies and trade unions (entry requirements, licences).
Lack of information about vacancies elsewhere.
Personal preference, attachment to one's job, and fear of losing seniority or pension.
Discrimination by sex, religion or ethnic origin.
Define both kinds of mobility, then list obstacles for occupational mobility only.