Indicators of Sustainable Development

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Indicator: Employment H3
Percentage of people of working age[1] who are in work[2]: 1970 to 2003  
Indicator Chart
Notes: [1] From 1959-71 working age was 15-59/64; from 1972 onwards, 16-59/64
[2] Rate as in May-July quarter each year (seasonally adjusted).
Change since
curvey 1970
curvey 1990
tick 1999

Coverage: United Kingdom

Source: DWP, ONS

Objective: Maintain high and stable levels of employment so everyone can share greater job opportunities
  • In 2003, the percentage of working age people in work was 74.7 per cent, the same level as in 1990, but an increase from 73.9 per cent in 1999.
  • There was a reduction in the proportion of working age men in employment between 1970 and 2003, from 90.7 per cent to 79.5, but a small increase was seen from 78.9 per cent in 1999. The proportion of women in employment continues to increase.

Page last modified: 21 April 2004  |  Page published: 21 April 2004