(a) Define occupational mobility of labour. (2 marks) (b) Identify any four barriers to occupational mobility of labour. (12 marks) (c) State any two factor...

Answer Details

(a) Occupational mobility of labour. This is the ease with which a worker can move from one occupation, trade, or type of job to another. High occupational mobility means workers can readily change the kind of work they do; low mobility means they are tied to one occupation.

(b) Four barriers to occupational mobility of labour.

• Lack of required skills or training. Many jobs demand specialised skills or qualifications a worker does not possess, so movement into them is blocked.
• Cost and length of training. Retraining for a new profession (for example medicine or law) is expensive and time-consuming, discouraging change.
• Natural or physical ability. Some occupations require particular aptitude, strength, or talent that not everyone has, limiting entry.
• Ignorance of available opportunities. Workers may not know that vacancies or alternative careers exist because of poor information.
• Professional and trade barriers. Restrictive entry rules, licensing, or membership requirements of professional bodies and trade unions keep outsiders out.
• Age and health. Older or unhealthy workers find it hard to retrain or meet the demands of new occupations.

(c) Two factors that make labour efficient.

• Education and training. A well-educated and skilled workforce performs tasks faster, more accurately, and with less waste.
• Good working conditions and adequate wages. Fair pay, incentives, and a safe, healthy environment raise motivation and productivity.
• Good health and nutrition. Healthy, well-fed workers have the energy and concentration to work efficiently.

Examination takeaway. Do not confuse occupational mobility (changing the type of job) with geographical mobility (changing the location of work); this question asks only about occupational mobility.