Introduction

Population levels are critical to the labour market as they affect both the supply of the labour and the demand for local products and services. The estimated population of the Western Isles in 2005 was 26,370; comprising approximately 12,970 males and 13,400 females. In the decade between 2005 and 1995 the population declined by -8.5%; this is compared to a 0.2% decline over Scotland as a whole. The decline in population is projected to continue with a population figure of 22,413 estimated by 2024. For more information please go to the Population pages.

Those of working age in the Western Isles (comprising males aged 16–64 and females aged 16–59) represented 58.3% of the population in 2004. In comparison: Scotland was 62.5%; Highland 60.7%; Shetland 61.6%; and Orkney 60.1%

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For the purposes of Census information, working age is categorised as all those between the ages of 16 and 74. On this basis, in 2001, there were 18,949 people in the Western Isles of working age, 71.5% of the total population.

Details on the current labour market can be found in the following pages on Employment and Unemployment.

 

Economic / Employment Structure

The Western Isles economy has a highly unusual structure, with the majority of activity narrowly focused in certain sectors. The public sector has a dominant position within the overall economy as shown in the pie chart below. For more information please go to the Economy pages.

Western Isles Economic Structure

Skills and Qualifications

The 2001 Census showed that 26% of Western Isles residents hold higher-level qualifications (HND, degree, professional qualification) against 29% for Scotland. 31% have no educational qualifications, greater than the 27% across Scotland.
Census data also suggests a link between economic activity and qualifications. Statistics indicate that economically active residents were more qualified than those inactive in the labour market. 43% of the economically inactive have no qualifications.