(a) What is Labour Force? (b) Explain four factors affecting the size of the labour force.
Explanation
(a) Labour force refers to persons available to supply the labour for the production of economic goods and services. Labour force is the working population and it comprises all persons who have jobs and who are seeking for jobs in the labour market. They are between the ages of 18 years and 60 years. (b) Factors affecting the size of labour force are: (i) Size of population of the country. (ii) Number of working hours and working days. (iii) Statutory entry and retirement ages. (iv) Proportion of the labour force willing and able to work (v) Official school-leaving age. (vi) Proportion of women in the labour force.