EGP
EVIDENCE
2011
PEOPLE (draft)
Strategic Housing & Economic
Development
Wakefield Council
8 July 2011
PEOPLE
Key Messages from Evidence

Wakefield’s population is projected to continue growing, with increased life expectancy being
the dominant component of change over the next 20 years.

The working age population is set to increase and future changes to the State Pension age
will extend the working lives of many residents.

Over the last seven years, growth in the pension age population has been greater than the
regional growth rates. Yet, when other age groups are considered, overall population growth
has been slow (just 2.2% compared to 6.1% growth across the Leeds City Region as a
whole).

As elsewhere, the ageing population is increasing the income-transfer requirements that
post-retirement groups place upon the labour force (the old-age dependency ratio).
Presently, the ratio in Wakefield is around the regional average.

Wakefield has a smaller than average proportion of people in the late teen to early 20s age
band which reflects an absence of a sizeable university presence in the district. In large
university cities such as Leeds, for example, increased participation in higher education has
created a population where 17.5% of people are aged 16-24, compared to 11.3% in
Wakefield.

The expansion of the European Union in 2004 produced an increase in economic migrants
coming to Wakefield, although numbers of new arrivals have fallen back since peaking in
2006. Migrants have tended to be young, single people planning to stay for a relatively short
time. The majority have found low-skilled, low-paid employment in warehouses and
distribution centres.

The academic qualification levels of the District’s population are highest among the younger
age groups and lowest among older age groups. This pattern is common nationally, but at
the time of the 2001 census, all age groups in the district had lower qualification profiles than
the national average. For the middle and older age groups, low academic attainment in part
reflects the low demand for qualifications made by the primary and secondary industries that
were prevalent in the past. Surveys show that around 17% of employers report having staff
not fully skilled for their role. This is in line with the regional average.

As the service sector now accounts for an increasing share of Wakefield jobs, there is a
demand for a more highly qualified and skilled workforce. There has been recent growth in
jobs for managers and senior officials within Wakefield, but there is evidence to suggest that
a relatively high proportion of these posts have been filled by people who live outside the
district and commute in. The flows, however, are not unidirectional. At the time of the 2001
census, there was a net export of senior level employees during the daily commute.

For young people at school, GCSE attainment has improved significantly in recent years.
Pass rates are now better than the England average, but inequalities persist between
children from poorer backgrounds, and the rest.

The worklessness rate for Wakefield is the highest in West Yorkshire and above regional and
national averages. Ill health is the key contributing factor, with more than half of the
worklessness caseload made up of Employment Support Allowance (ESA)/Incapacity Benefit
(IB) and disabled client groups. At 9.0% of working age population, the ESA/IB rate is the
highest in the sub-region, second highest in the region and above the national average
(6.8%).

The single biggest reason for ESA/IB claiming is mental and behavioural disorders (37.5%),
2
although this proportion is below the national average (43.7%). The second biggest reason is
problems association with joints and bones (22.3%), which is higher than the national
average (16.9%).

The economic downturn produced an increase in worklessness due primarily to the large
increase in the number of JSA claimants. The medium-term rate is now falling again, with the
number of JSA claimants falling by 3.9% during the 12 months to February 2011. Over the
same period, however, the fall in JSA claimants regionally and nationally, was over 7%.

Youth unemployment is a significant issue, with over 14.3% of those aged between 16 and
24 out of work and claiming benefits. This is significantly higher than the regional (11.3%)
and national (10.5%) rates. Youth unemployment is exacerbated by low staying on (in
education) rates and high levels of young people who are not in employment, education or
training (NEETs). Over recent years, however, staying on rates have improved and NEET
rates have declined, though levels remain high.
3
Table of Contents
1
Population ............................................................................................................................................. 5
2.1
3
4
5
6
Population Change .................................................................................................................... 6
Worklessness ........................................................................................................................................ 9
3.1
Impact of Recession ................................................................................................................ 11
3.2
Worklessness Characteristics .................................................................................................. 12
3.2.1
Job Seekers Allowance Claimants ....................................................................................... 12
3.2.1.1
Usual Occupation ................................................................................................................ 15
3.2.1.2
Claimant off flows - Reasons ............................................................................................... 16
3.2.2
Incapacity Benefit Claimants ............................................................................................... 17
3.2.3
Lone Parents ....................................................................................................................... 19
3.2.4
Young People ...................................................................................................................... 20
3.2.5
Older People ....................................................................................................................... 21
Earnings and Income ........................................................................................................................... 22
4.1
Average Earnings – Workplace Based ..................................................................................... 22
4.2
Average Earnings – Residence Based ...................................................................................... 23
4.3
Household Income .................................................................................................................. 25
Skills and Qualifications ...................................................................................................................... 26
5.1
Educational Attainment .......................................................................................................... 27
5.2
Further Education ................................................................................................................... 28
5.3
Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) ................................................................. 29
5.4
Higher Education ..................................................................................................................... 29
5.5
Adult Skills ............................................................................................................................... 31
5.6
Occupational Structure ........................................................................................................... 33
5.7
Skills Mismatch........................................................................................................................ 34
5.8
Future Demand ....................................................................................................................... 35
Deprivation ......................................................................................................................................... 37
6.1
Geography and Extent ............................................................................................................ 39
6.2
Theme ..................................................................................................................................... 40
7
Health .................................................................................................................................................. 41
8
Child Poverty ....................................................................................................................................... 42
9
References .......................................................................................................................................... 45
4
PEOPLE
1 Population
In 2009 the resident population size of Wakefield District was estimated to be 323,900, making
the district the 18th largest local authority in England and Wales. As is typical nationally, the
Wakefield age profile reflects the larger birth cohorts of the 1950s and 1960s and greater
numbers of women in older age than men. Numbers are projected to keep on increasing, albeit
more slowly than elsewhere in the region, with improved life expectancy resulting in a greater
proportion of the population being made up of people in older age groups (see outline in .
Figure 1).
What is different about Wakefield’s age profile when compared with many other metropolitan
districts is the smaller than average proportions of people in the late-teen, early 20’s age bands.
This reflects the absence of any sizeable university presence within Wakefield District. In large
university cities such as Leeds, by contrast, increasing levels of participation in higher education
over the last couple of decades have created a population where 17.5% of people are aged 1624, compared to 11.3% in Wakefield district.
Figure 1
Wakefield has a relatively small ethnic minority population.
The 2001 Census recorded that 96.7% of people identified
themselves as White British, 1.4% of people described
their ethnicity as Asian or Asian British and 1.1%
described their ethnicity as White Irish or White Other.
Estimates from 2007 (due to be revised) suggest that the
proportion of the population not White British has grown
from 3.3% (in 2001) to 5.9% of the total population1.
(projection for 2033 outlined)
female
male
80
70
60
50
As people move around for work, leisure and shopping the
size and geography of the population changes by time,
day and season. The town centres also see increases in
the daytime population as people travel in to shop, and the
size and age structure of the visiting population changes
again as numbers of younger people come into Wakefield,
Pontefract and Castleford in the evening to socialise in
bars, clubs and other leisure venues.
40
30
20
10
0
3,000 2,000 1,000
0
1,000 2,000 3,000
people aged 0-84
Other temporary or short-term visitors also affect the size
population at different times. The Council runs a gypsy
and traveller site that at the last count was home to 64 caravans. At the same time there were
around another 60 caravans located elsewhere across the district, some with permission to
camp and some without2. Economic migrants from the expanded European Union, particularly
Poland, have also swelled the population since 2004, although the numbers of new arrivals
have fallen in the last couple of years3. The size of the asylum seeker population has also fallen
1
Office for National Statistics (2007) Resident Population Estimates by Ethnic Group (experimental)
Wakefield Council (2011) Bi-annual count of gypsy and traveller caravans. Unpublished data collected for the Department for
Communities and Local Government
3 Local Government Association (2011) Workers Registration Scheme data
2
5
markedly in recent years, to just 120 people in December 2010, down from 565 people at the
beginning of 2035.
There are no areas within the district with age profiles very different from the norm. For
example, with no sizeable university presence in the district there is no prominent ‘student
quarter’. In some smaller areas, however, the age profile can be skewed by the presence of
specific types of housing type and tenure.
There are a number of centres where ethnic minority populations have tended to settle. A
sizeable proportion of the South Asian population has settled in the Agbrigg area of Wakefield,
south of the city centre, and also in College Grove, immediately north of Wakefield city centre.
This has provided opportunities for businesses that offer goods and services tailored to the
community’s preferences and needs. Recent economic migrants, principally from the countries
that have recently joined the EU, are also living in these neighbourhoods, in part reflecting the
availability of affordable private rented accommodation. In addition, some economic migrants
have located themselves in the South East of the district, closer to certain employment
opportunities.
The extent to which the individuals living in an area change as a result of migration is referred to
as population turnover, or area stability. Young people and young families are the most likely to
move, either to live independently or to move to a larger home. Private renters also have higher
migration rates. Despite some ‘conventional wisdoms’ regarding the impact of high population
turnover research has shown there is only a very weak relationship between turnover and
deprivation7. Summary measures of area dynamics show that the extent and nature of
population turnover in Wakefield District is similar to the England average
2.1 Population Change
Across the Leeds City Region (LCR) as a whole the Wakefield District population has grown by
6.1% since 2002. On average the working age population has grown by a similar amount as the
retirement age population and there there has been a small reduction in the numbers of people
aged 15 and under. Only Bradford has seen a growth in its child population.
Table 1 Recent population growth in Wakefield lowest in the Leeds City Region
Yorkshire & Humber Region
Leeds City Region
Leeds
York UA
Bradford
Selby
Calderdale
Kirklees
Harrogate
Barnsley
Craven
Wakefield
Population change mid-2002 to mid-2009
Older people
Children Working age
65M/60F and
All
0-15
16-64M/59F
over
People
-3.6%
6.9%
8.7%
5.1%
-2.0%
8.2%
7.9%
6.1%
-5.1%
15.4%
4.0%
9.4%
-2.2%
12.0%
9.0%
9.0%
4.9%
8.7%
3.6%
6.9%
-3.1%
6.3%
19.4%
6.6%
-1.2%
4.9%
9.5%
4.5%
-0.7%
4.4%
8.9%
4.1%
-2.4%
2.5%
14.5%
4.0%
-3.4%
4.0%
9.2%
3.5%
-7.9%
1.6%
15.9%
3.2%
-6.6%
2.6%
11.0%
2.2%
Source: ONS Mid Year Population Estimates
6
The overall population growth in Wakefield has been the lowest of all the LCR local authorities
(Table 1) and the growth in Wakefield’s working age population has been low compared to the
growth in the retirement age population. Elsewhere within the LCR some of the working age
population growth reflects growth in the university places. For example, between 2002/03 and
2008/09 there has been a 16% growth in full-time student numbers across Bradford University,
University of Leeds, Leeds Metropolitan University and University of York, combined. In the
current public finance climate it seems unlikely that this growth in university places will be
sustained but it highlights a key difference between Wakefield and elsewhere.
The different population growth patterns have also produced variations in changes to the oldage dependency ratios (Table 2 ). These ratios reflect the relationship between the 16 to State
Pension Age (SPA) population and SPA population and indicate the income-transfer
requirements that post-retirement age groups place upon the labour force. Ratios will be
deflected downward over the next few years by the phased changes to women’s SPA but
increased life expectancy will cancel this effect and create net increases in the ratio for some
time to come.
Table 2 Old-Age Dependency Ratios in the Leeds City Region
Yorkshire & Humberside
Leeds City Region
Bradford
Calderdale
Kirklees
Leeds
Wakefield
Barnsley
Craven
Harrogate
Selby
York UA
Old-age Dependency Ratio
MidMid%-point
2002
2009
change
30.4%
31.0%
+0.5%
29.0%
28.9%
-0.1%
27.3%
26.0%
-1.3%
29.5%
30.8%
+1.3%
27.6%
28.7%
+1.2%
27.9%
25.2%
-2.8%
29.2%
31.7%
+2.4%
31.0%
32.5%
+1.6%
40.6%
46.3%
+5.7%
33.8%
37.7%
+4.0%
28.2%
31.6%
+3.5%
30.6%
29.8%
-0.8%
The latest projections suggest that Wakefield’s population will continue to grow and to age8.
The older population is forecast to increase by around 2% per year until around 2030 when
mortality among the last of the baby-boom population will slow the increases down (Figure 2).
Forecasts suggest year-on-year increases in the young population over the next decade. The
working age population will see an increase as births over the next decade filter through from
2028 onwards. The working age population will also increase as a result of changes to SPA,
although this is not included in this chart.
7
Figure 2 Projected Annual Change in Population Size from 2008 by Age Band
0-15
3.0%
16-60F/65M
60F/65M +
2.5%
2.0%
1.5%
1.0%
0.5%
0.0%
2032
2030
2028
2026
2024
2022
2020
2018
2016
2014
2012
2010
2008
-0.5%
Source: 2008-based Subnational Population Projections, ONS
By 2018 it is estimated there will be an additional 18,200 people living in the district – an
increase of 6% from the 2008 position. By 2028 it is estimated there will be an additional
39,300 people living in the district compared to 2008. The estimates suggest that this increase
to 2028 will comprise 3,700 more people aged 0-15 years (+6.1%); 4,200 more people of
working age (+2.1%); and 31,500 more people older than (the current) State Pension Age
(SPA) (+50.6%).
The expansion of the European Union in 2004 produced an increase in economic migrants
coming to Wakefield. The majority of these migrants have come from Poland, with smaller
numbers from Slovakia and Latvia and the other A10 countries. The migrants have tended to
be young, single people planning to stay for a relatively short time. The majority of workers
have found low-skilled, low-paid employment in warehouses and distribution centres.
Employment agencies have played an active role in developing this labour market. Data from
the Home Office Workers Registration Scheme (WRS) show the trend in application approvals
(Figure 3). There is very little data on leavers, so the real size of the economic migrant
community is unknown. Numbers of applications have fallen steadily over the last few years,
both in Wakefield and across the region as a whole. Seasonal increases often occur in summer
and autumn.
Figure 3 WRS Registrations
Wakefield
1,400
7,000
Y&H Region
6,000
5,000
1,000
4,000
800
Y&H Applications
Wakefield Applications
1,200
3,000
600
2,000
400
1,000
200
0
-
Q3 10
Q2 10
Q1 10
Q4 09
Q3 09
Q2 09
Q1 09
Q4 08
Q3 08
Q2 08
Q1 08
Q4 07
Q3 07
Q2 07
Q1 07
Q4 06
Q3 06
Q2 06
S
Source: Home Office Border & Immigration Agency (LGAR)
8
3 Worklessness
Worklessness is the general term describing people who experience significant barriers whether
it be ill-health, low skills or low motivation which prevent them from working.
Working age people claiming out of work benefits are frequently used as a measure of
worklessness. These figures are an underestimate as there are workless people who do not
receive benefits. However the figures do offer timely and reliable intelligence on local trends
and comparisons to other areas.
Defining Worklessness
The IDeA practitioner’s guide for producing work and skills plans offers the following description
for measuring and defining worklessness:
‘Worklessness’ is a less familiar term than ‘unemployment’ to describe those without
work, and is used to describe all those who are out of work but who would like a job. It
has become more popular because common definitions of unemployment miss out
important groups of people who are not working but who would like to.
There is no single data source that captures the above in its entirety and for the purpose of this
report, the ‘key out-of-work benefits’ figure defined by the DWP will be used as the overall
measure of worklessness. This includes JSA, ESA/Incapacity Benefit, Lone Parents and others
on income related benefits.
Data in this briefing are based on working age benefit data supplied by the Department for Work
and Pensions (DWP) client group data sets and provide a quarterly snapshot of benefit
claimants at particular points in time. The dataset gives counts of benefit claimants categorised
by their statistical group (their main reason for interacting with the benefit system), gender and
age. Claimants may be claiming more than one benefit but are assigned to one of the following
statistical groups, in the following priority order:
Job Seekers
Jobseekers’ Allowance claimants.
Employment Support
Allowance/Incapacity
Benefits (ESA/IB)
Employment Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit or Severe
Disablement Allowance claimants.
Lone Parent
Income Support claimants with a child under 16 and no
partner.
Others on Income Related
Benefit
Other Income Support (including IS Disability premium) or
Pension Credit claimants under State Pension age.
Benefits are arranged hierarchically and claimants are assigned to the highest statistical group
that they belong to. Thus a person who claims Income Support as a Lone Parent and also
receives Incapacity Benefit would be classified into ‘incapacity benefits’ group.
It needs to be noted that some data sets are more up-to-date that others. Job Seekers
Allowance claimant count is updated on a monthly basis but incapacity benefit numbers are
released quarterly and has a much larger delay before publication.
9
Scale of Worklessness
In August 2009, 31,640 Wakefield residents were claiming key out of work benefits, equating to
15.0% of the working age population. This is higher than the regional (13.1%) and national
(12.3%) averages. The Wakefield worklessness rate is the joint second highest in the Leeds
City Region.
Figure 4 Worklessness Rates by Client Group, Wakefield District compared against the Regional, Leeds City
Region and National rates, August 2010
% working age population
16.0
14.0
12.0
10.0
8.0
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.0
Wakefield
Y&H
LCR
GB
others
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
lone parent
1.8
1.7
1.7
1.7
ESA & IB
9.0
6.8
6.7
6.7
job seekers
3.8
4.0
3.9
3.5
Source: ONS (NOMIS)
The Wakefield worklessness rate is the joint second highest in the Leeds City Region Figures
for August 2010 show that ill health is a major cause of worklessness in the district with 60% of
the workless population claiming Employment Support Allowance or an Incapacity Benefit,
which is considerably higher than the regional (54%) and national (52%) averages. This equates
to 9% of the working population and is the second highest rate in the Leeds City Region.
% working age population
Figure 5 Worklessness Rate by Client Groups, Leeds City Region LADs, August 2010
20.0
18.0
16.0
14.0
12.0
10.0
8.0
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.0
others
Barnsl Wake Bradf Calde Kirkle
Leeds Selby
ey
field ord rdale
es
York
Crave Harro
n
gate
0.5
0.5
0.6
0.6
0.5
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
lone parent
2.0
1.8
2.2
1.7
1.8
1.7
1.0
1.0
0.7
0.7
ESA & IB
10.8
9.0
7.6
6.8
6.7
5.7
4.3
3.9
4.2
3.7
job seekers
4.4
3.8
4.7
4.3
4.1
4.1
2.6
2.4
1.9
1.7
Source: ONS (NOMIS)
10
Job Seeker Allowance is the second largest client group and represents 25% of key working
age benefit claimants and 3.8% of the working age population. Lone parents on income support
account for 12% of worklessness in the district and account for less than 2% of the working age
population. Others on out of work benefit make up a further 3.1% of the total key working age
benefit group.
Table 3 Key Working Age Benefit Client Group, August 2010
No
Job Seekers Allowance
Incapacity Benefit & Employment Support Allowance
Lone parent on Income Support
Others on Out-of-Work benefits
Total Key Working Age Benefits
7,960
18,930
3,770
970
31,640
% Claimants
25.2
59.8
11.9
3.1
100.0
% Working Age
Population
3.8
9.0
1.8
0.5
15.0
Source: ONS (NOMIS)
3.1 Impact of Recession
The economic downturn has resulted in an increase in worklessness, primarily due to the large
increase in the Job Seekers client group. Prior to the downturn numbers of IB/ESA and lone
parent claimants fell due to the impact of Government Welfare to Work programmes.
Although the UK recession officially started in January 2009, unemployment in the Wakefield
district started to rise in December 2007. Prior to the downturn, over the five year period
November 2002 to 2007, the number of people claiming key working age benefits fell by 3,400
(10.8%). This was largely driven by a reduction in the IB/ESA group which fell by 2,010 (9.4%).
However, both the JSA and lone parent IS groups also declined with decreases of 440 (10.4%)
and 750 (15.5%) respectively.
Since the onset of rising unemployment in the autumn of 2007, the number of people claiming
key out of work benefits increased by 4,130 (14.8%) between November 2007 and 2009 and at
August 2009 was at its highest level since February 2002. This is largely due to the rise in the
JSA client group which has more than doubled, increasing by 4,600 (121.1%) to 8,400. Over,
the same period the ESA/IB client group has fallen overall by 530 (2.7%) claimants, however,
data for the quarters February 2009 to August 2009 quarters has shown four successive
increases with two further rises in Feb and May 2010. The lone parent client group has
continued to fall, with the exception of two quarterly rises in February and August 2009.
11
Figure 6 Worklessness Benefit Claimant Numbers by Client Group, Wakefield District, Aug 07 to Aug 10
35,000
Number of Claimants
30,000
job seeker
25,000
20,000
others on income related
benefit
15,000
lone parent
10,000
ESA & IB
5,000
Aug-10
Apr-10
Dec-09
Aug-09
Apr-09
Dec-08
Aug-08
Apr-08
Dec-07
Aug-07
0
Source: ONS (NOMIS)
3.2 Worklessness Characteristics
This element of the assessment looks more closely at the make-up of the different groups of
benefit claimants that comprise the workless population in Wakefield looking at the age, gender
and length of time out-of-work in comparison with sub regional, regional and national statistics.
3.2.1
Job Seekers Allowance Claimants
The Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) was introduced in the UK on 7 October 1996. It replaced the
existing system of unemployment benefits and income support, and is currently the main
welfare support to those out of work and seeking employment.
Labour market data for February 2011 shows the number of people out of work and claiming
Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) increased by 240 (2.7%) on the month but was down by 366
(3.9%) on the year taking the Wakefield district count to 9,041 or 4.3% of the working age
population. The district’s claimant count rate is close to its West Yorkshire counterparts and the
regional average but is slightly higher than the national rate. Wide disparities in claim rates are
evident at sub district level with ward JSA claim rates ranging from 2.3% in Stanley and Altofts
wards to more than 7% in Wakefield Central and East wards. At a neighbourhood level JSA
claim rates are estimated to be more than 10% of the working age population in some parts of
the district.
The district has a slightly higher penetration of male claimants and around one in ten working
age men living in Wakefield East ward claim JSA. It should be noted, however, that the JSA
claimant count can ignore some unemployed members of society, especially women, who
experience more breaks from employment, are more likely to work part-time and are less likely
to accumulate the necessary National Insurance contributions to receive JSA. Furthermore,
projected deep public spending cuts are likely to lead to heavy job losses for women particularly
in areas such as Wakefield which has a large public sector, with 28% of total employment in this
sector and women representing 74% of the workforce. This will lead to many more families with
both parents out of work.
12
Youth unemployment is particularly high with a third of JSA claimants aged between 18 and 24.
Estimates suggest that 1 in 10 people aged 18-24 are out of work and claiming JSA. Small area
data estimates also shows that over 31% of 18 to 24 year olds claim JSA in one Airedale
locality.
In terms of unemployment duration, at February 2011 a total of 2,420 people had been claiming
JSA for more than six months, 27% of the total number of claimants. The median duration of
uncompleted JSA unemployment at February 2011 was 13.1 weeks compared with 14.3 weeks
the previous year. At ward level this ranged from 9.8 weeks in Castleford Ferry Fryston to 16.5
weeks in Wakefield North ward. At sub district level, the Wakefield City Centre priority
neighbourhood has the highest duration with a JSA claim rate of 21.7 weeks.
Older people are more likely to experience longer periods of unemployment. Figures for March
2010 show that the average JSA duration for those aged 50 and over is 18.8 weeks compared
with 15.4 weeks for those aged 25 to 29. In some wards JSA claimants aged over 50 have
claimed JSA for 26 weeks on average and rising to 39 weeks in some priority neighbourhoods.
Longer term JSA unemployment is lower than the regional and national averages; however, this
is masked when other key working age benefits are taken into consideration, especially long
term dependency on ESA and IB.
Table 4 sets out a snapshot of the composition of the JSA claimant population in the Wakefield
district compared with the region and GB as a whole.
Table 4 Characteristics of JSA Claimants, February 2011
Rate = % of Total JSA Claimants
Wakefield
No
Age
24 and under
25-34
35-44
45-49
50 to pension age
Gender
Male
Female
Duration
Up to 6 weeks
6-13 weeks
13-26 weeks
6 months – 1 year
1-2 years
Over 2 years
%
Y&H
GB
%
%
3,205
2,190
1,875
805
1,305
34.2
23.3
20.0
8.6
13.9
31.8
24.5
20.3
9.1
14.3
30.2
24.0
20.8
9.9
15.2
6,400
2,641
70.8
29.2
70.9
29.1
68.9
31.1
2,615
1,870
2,150
1,750
975
25
27.8
19.9
22.9
18.7
10.4
0.2
24.2
16.9
23.6
20.8
13.3
1.5
24.9
16.7
23.4
20.2
12.7
2.2
Source: ONS (NOMIS)
As in most places, the economic downturn has led to a rise in unemployment. Unemployment
has increased for all age bands, however, younger age bands have born the brunt of the
recession and Figure 7 shows the sharp increase in the number claimants aged under 24 which
increased by 1,985 between November 2007 and August 2009 when unemployment peaked.
13
Figure 7 Trends in JSA claimants by Age Band, Wakefield District, Feb 2000 to Feb 2010
3,500
Number of JSA claimants
3,000
2,500
Under 24
2,000
25-34
1,500
35-44
1,000
45-49
50+
500
Dec-10
Feb-10
Apr-09
Jun-08
Aug-07
Oct-06
Dec-05
Feb-05
Apr-04
Jun-03
Aug-02
Oct-01
Dec-00
Feb-00
0
Source: DWP, ONS (NOMIS)
The graph of unemployment durations within the district (Figure 8) shows an initial increase in
newly unemployed at the start of the recession. The level of newly unemployed then stabilises,
with levels for the 6-12 month and over 12 months (long-term unemployed) categories
continuing to rise as the initial cohort of newly unemployed move through to longer-term
unemployment.
Since June 2009, the overall JSA claimant count has been falling, however, the number of
claimants has increased for the last three consecutive months (December 2010 to February
2011).
Figure 8 Trends in JSA Claimants by Duration, Wakefield District, Feb 2000 to Feb 2011
3,500
2,500
less than 6 weeks
2,000
6-13 weeks
1,500
13-26 weeks
1,000
26-52 weeks
over 52 weeks
500
Feb-11
Feb-10
Feb-09
Feb-08
Feb-07
Feb-06
Feb-05
Feb-04
Feb-03
Feb-02
Feb-01
0
Feb-00
Number of JSA claimants
3,000
Source: DWP, ONS (NOMIS)
14
3.2.1.1 Usual Occupation
At February 2011, over 42% of JSA claimants stated they were usually employed in elementary
occupations which is significantly higher than the regional (33.6%) and national (29.2%)
averages. The larger numbers of claimants from these groups can partly be explained by the
larger number of jobs in these areas across the local economy. However, it is also true that
many elementary occupations are experiencing higher rates of unemployment than professional
occupations.
Table 5 JSA Claimants by Usual Occupation, March 2010
Wakefield
No
%
Occupation
1 : Managers and Senior Officials
2 : Professional Occupations
3 : Associate Professional and Technical Occupations
4 : Administrative and Secretarial Occupations
5 : Skilled Trades Occupations
6 : Personal Service Occupations
7 : Sales and Customer Service occupations
8 : Process, Plant and Machine Operatives
9 : Elementary Occupations
0 : Occupation unknown
Total
Y&H
GB
100
245
155
340
660
905
530
1,435
830
3,800
1.1
2.7
1.7
3.8
7.3
10.1
5.9
16.0
9.2
42.2
1.1
3.1
2.2
4.4
7.7
11.3
5.8
20.7
10.1
33.6
1.0
3.8
2.8
5.8
9.5
11.1
6.1
21.4
9.2
29.2
8,995
100.0
100.0
100.0
Source: DWP, ONS (NOMIS)
Figure 9 below shows all occupations have been affected by the downturn. Between November
2007 and 2009, around a third of the increase in claimant unemployment was borne by workers
employed in elementary occupations which increased by 1,640 (101%). Sales and customer
service and skilled trades occupations increased by 760 (166%) and 745 (194%) respectively.
The most recent data available shows the number of people unemployed whose usual
occupation was of an elementary nature reached an all time high in February 2011.
Figure 9 JSA claimants by usual occupational group, February 2006 to February 2011
4,000
Elementary
Number of JSA claimants
3,500
3,000
Sales & Customer
Service
2,500
Skilled Trades
2,000
1,500
Process, Plant &
Machinery
1,000
Admin & Secretarial
500
Feb-11
Aug-10
Feb-10
Aug-09
Feb-09
Aug-08
Feb-08
Aug-07
Feb-07
Aug-06
Feb-06
0
Personal Service
Source: DWP, ONS (NOMIS)
It is also possible to consider duration of claimant unemployment by occupation. At February
2011, 1,030 JSA claimants whose usual occupation was of an elementary nature had been out
15
of work for over 26 weeks which accounted for 27% of this occupation group. However,
analysis shows that workers from other occupational groups are likely to spend longer on the
JSA than others. For example 34% of those whose usual occupations were managers and
senior officials have been unemployed for more than six months.
3.2.1.2 Claimant off flows - Reasons
JSA claimant off flow data reveals the main reason people stop claiming JSA is because they
find work. Of those leaving the count in Wakefield over the twelve month period to February
2011, 40.3% found work which is slightly higher than the regional (39.3%) and GB (38.6%)
averages.
Figure 10 % of JSA Off Flows by Reason, Wakefield, Y&H & GB, March 2010 to February 2011 (inclusive)
% JSA off-flows
45.0
40.0
35.0
30.0
25.0
20.0
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
Not known
Transfer to
Govtsupported
training
Other
30.7
10.1
7.8
12.8
39.0
29.6
9.0
9.9
12.5
40.2
29.2
10.0
9.9
10.6
Found
work
Failed to
sign
GB
38.6
Y&H
Wakefield
Source: DWP, ONS (NOMIS)
Over the past twelve months, Wakefield compares favourably with its sub regional counterparts
with regard to JSA off flows finding work (40.3%). However, the district has a lower share than
neighbouring Selby (46.9%), Barnsley (44%), and Doncaster (42.2%).
There are wide discrepancies within the district with just 31.7% of those Wakefield East off flows
finding work compared with 46.2% in Stanley and Altofts. Those living in priority
neighbourhoods find it particularly hard to secure work with just 25% of former JSA claimants in
Wakefield city centre finding work over the twelve month period to February 2011.
Most people who lose their jobs spend a short time looking for a job before they find a new one.
Of those job seekers who found work and left the register in February 2011, 45% had been
unemployed for less than three months. However, this compares unfavourably with 56% during
the same month prior to the downturn (March 2008).
Even though Wakefield has a relatively high level of JSA claimants finding work, they still
represent a minority of those leaving JSA. One of the reasons why so many people cease
claiming JSA but remain out of work is that the contributory version of JSA, to which anyone
who loses their job and has made enough National Insurance contributions is entitled, ends
after just six months. After that, all that is available is the means tested version of JSA, to which
a workless person with a working partner or spouse would almost certainly not be eligible
because their household income is too high.
16
Those failing to sign represented 29.2% (7,325) of JSA off flows over the twelve month period to
February 2011 and unknown destinations accounted for 10% (2,500). Places where people find
it hard to secure work are also likely to experience higher than average flows of people
transferring to government supported training. Some 9.9% (2,480) of those leaving the JSA
count transferred to government supported training which is higher than the 7.8% national
average. Within the district over 15% of JSA off flows resident in Wakefield East ward and 18%
in the Warwick Estate priority neighbourhood in Knottingley transferred to government
supported training.
Figure 11 Number of JSA Off Flows by Reason, Wakefield, March 2010 to February 2011 (inclusive)
Found work or increased work to…
10,130
Failed to sign
7,325
Not known
2,500
Government supported training
2,480
Gone abroad
800
Claimed benefit other than JSA
665
Other reasons
570
Ceased claiming
490
Education or approved training
135
0
2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000
Number of JSA off flows
Source: DWP, ONS (NOMIS)
3.2.2
Incapacity Benefit Claimants
As previously highlighted, people on incapacity benefits comprise the largest single group in the
worklessness population. In August 2010, 18,930 Wakefield district residents were in receipt of
Employment and Support Allowance and Incapacity Benefits, representing 9% of the working
age population, which is significantly greater than the regional (6.8%) and national (6.7%) rates.
Former coalfield areas display particularly high levels of IB/SDA dependency with claim rates
touching 15% of the working age population in South Kirkby ward. Around one in five of
working age residents living in the Priority Estate, Wakefield city centre and Kinsley priority
neighbourhoods belong to the IB/SDA client group.
Incapacity benefit claimants tend to be older and disproportionately male. Benefits data for
August 2009 shows that most claimants have been on incapacity benefits for lengthy periods.
Over 78% of the ESA/IB client group have claimed for more than two years. Furthermore, 63%
have claimed for more than five years which equates to 6% of the working age population.
Table 6 sets out a snapshot of the ESA and IB client group in Wakefield at August 2009.
17
Table 6 Characteristics of ESA and IB Client Group, August 2010
Benefit
Total ESA and IB Claimants
Male
Female
Age
aged under 25
aged 25-34
aged 35-44
aged 45-54
aged 55-59
aged 60-64
Duration
up to 6 months
6 months up to 1 year
1 year and up to 2 years
2 years and up to 5 years
5 years and over
Wakefield
Y&H
GB
No
%
%
%
% working age population
18,930
9.0
6.7
6.8
11,250
10.7
7.9
7.6
7,690
7.3
5.7
5.7
% ESA/IB client group
1,210
6.4
6.4
6.3
2,180
11.5
12.7
12.8
3,820
20.2
21.3
21.9
5,570
29.4
29.1
30.1
3,490
18.4
18.1
17.6
2,660
14.1
12.4
11.3
% ESA/IB client group
1,720
9.1
9.2
9.3
1,060
5.6
5.4
5.3
1,310
6.9
7.3
7.1
3,050
16.1
17.2
17.1
11,790
62.3
60.9
61.1
Source: Benefit claimants - working age client group, DWP (NOMIS)
The most common medical condition of IB/SDA claimants in the district is mental and
behavioural disorders which represents over 37% of claimants but is below the regional and
national rates. This category includes stress, depression, more severe mental health conditions
and disorders related to drug and alcohol dependency.
Research has shown that work and meaningful activity are central to the recovery process for
many people with mental health problems and that as many as 90% of people who use mental
health services want to work.
The Social Exclusion Unit reported in 2004 that more than 4 in 10 mental health service users
felt that they had been denied a job due to a previous psychiatric history and over 66% did not
apply for jobs for fear of unfair treatment.
Although it is not possible to estimate an overall employment rate for people in Wakefield with a
mental health condition, for those known to secondary mental health services (10,144) only
12.2% are in paid employment and for those with a CPA (Care Programme Approach) the
proportion drops to 7.6% of a cohort of 1,107 people. This compares to a general disability
employment rate of 47.8%.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue is the second most frequent
reason for claim in the district and is a somewhat higher level than the regional and national
averages. Historically, musculoskeletal disorders were the leading reason for claiming IB in the
UK and common in traditional industrial areas with high levels of manufacturing and coal mining
employment. However, the reasons why many people are on Incapacity Benefit have changed
over the last decade with the number claiming for mental or behavioural disorders increasing.
Table 7 below shows the medical reason for IB/SDA claim as of August 2010. Please note this
data does not include claimants of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
18
Table 7 Reason for claiming IB/SDA, August 2010
Wakefield
Condition
Mental & behavioural disorders
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system & connective tissue
Symptoms, signs & abnormal clinical & laboratory findings,
not elsewhere classified
Diseases of the nervous system
Diseases of the circulatory system
Injury, poisoning & certain other consequences of external
causes
Diseases of the respiratory system
Diseases of the digestive system
Neoplasms
Endocrine, nutritional & metabolic diseases
Factors influencing health status & contact with health
services
Congenital malformations, deformations & chromosomal
abnormalities
Diseases of the eye & adnexa
Diseases of the genitourinary system
Diseases of the skin & subcutaneous system
Certain infectious parasitic diseases
Diseases of the ear & mastoid process (H60-H95)
Diseases of the blood & blood forming organs & certain
diseases involving the immune mechanism
Any condition
Y&H
GB
No
5,690
3,380
%
37.5
22.3
%
41.5
17.7
%
43.7
16.9
1,900
900
810
12.5
5.9
5.3
12.2
7.2
5.2
11.4
6.9
4.7
700
410
220
190
190
4.6
2.7
1.5
1.3
1.3
4.6
2.3
1.4
1.2
1.4
4.6
2.0
1.4
1.2
1.4
160
1.1
1.1
1.3
150
100
100
90
80
60
1.0
0.7
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
1.1
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
1.2
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.7
0.4
20
15,160
0.1
0.1
0.2
100.0 100.0 100.0
Source: DWP, ONS (NOMIS)
3.2.3
Lone Parents
In August 2010, 3,770 people in the Wakefield district were in receipt of Income Support for
Lone Parents, representing less than 2% of the working age population which is close to the
regional and national averages.
The data shows that the majority of claimants (97%) are female representing 3.4% of working
age women.
Wakefield has a relatively high proportion of young claimants with around 33% of the lone
parent client group aged under 25 which is higher than the regional (31%) and national (27%)
averages. Around 45% of claimants have one child and 7% have four or more children.
Around 29% of the lone parent client group have been claiming for less than a year and over
23% have been claiming for five years or more.
19
Table 8 Characteristics of Lone Parent Working Age Benefit Client Group, August 2010
Persons
Male
Female
Age
under 25
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-59
Children
1 child
2 children
3 children
4 or more children
Duration
Up to 6 months
6 months – 1 year
1-2 years
2-5 years
5 years and over
Wakefield
Y&H
GB
No
%
%
%
% working age population
3,770
1.8
1.7
1.7
130
0.1
0.1
0.1
3,650
3.4
3.3
3.3
% total client group
1,240
1,570
810
140
10
32.9
41.6
21.5
3.7
0.3
30.8
42.2
22.1
4.5
0.3
26.6
41.8
25.4
5.8
0.4
1,690
1,270
540
280
44.8
33.7
14.3
7.4
44.0
32.1
15.4
8.6
44.2
32.0
15.5
8.4
610
480
770
1,040
870
16.2
12.7
20.4
27.6
23.1
13.8
11.6
17.9
26.9
29.8
15.5
12.7
19.2
27.0
25.6
Source: DWP, ONS (NOMIS)
As highlighted previously, recipients of IS (LP) have fallen steadily in response to government
policy over recent years but also due to administrative/eligibility changes. From November
2008, most lone parents with older children making a new or repeat claim for benefit were no
longer entitled to Income Support only on the grounds of being a lone parent. From 2010,
most lone parents with a youngest child aged 7 or over will no longer be entitled to Income
Support only on the grounds of being a lone parent. Instead, those able to take up paid
employment may claim Jobseeker’s Allowance and those with a disability or health condition
may claim Employment and Support Allowance. Both these changes to entitlement will
become visible in the IS lone parent statistics and in the new JSA lone parent figures over
future quarterly releases.
3.2.4
Young People
Youth unemployment and worklessness is a significant issue within the Wakefield district. DWP
figures for August 2010 show some 5,320 residents aged between 16 and 24 were claiming key
out of work benefits which equates to 14.3% of this age band which is somewhat higher than
the regional (11.3%) and national (10.5%) rates. Furthermore, thirteen of the district’s twentyone wards are ranked in the top 10% of wards in England with the highest number of young
people claiming out of work benefit.
DWP data for August 2010 shows that JSA claimants represent over 50% of the total 16-24
benefit client group. Lone parents represent 23.3% of young claimants and a similar amount
20
claim ESA and incapacity benefits. Mental and behavioural disorders is the main reason young
people claim ESA and incapacity benefits with over 48% claiming for this reason.
Table 9 Benefit Claimants Aged 16-24 by Client Group, Wakefield, August 2010
Client Group
No
%
job seekers
lone parents
ESA and incapacity benefits
others on income related benefit
Key out of work benefits
2,680 50.4
1,240 23.3
1,210 22.7
190
3.6
5,320 100.0
Source: NOMIS (ONS)
The district has a high proportion of young people not in employment, education or training
(NEET) – see page 29.
3.2.5
Older People
The rise in state pension age is likely to lead to an increase in the older working age client
group. From 2010 the state pension age for women will increase gradually to 65. This is to
bring it in line with the state pension age for men. It also reflects women’s changed role in the
workplace in recent years, and the fact that people are living longer. The changes to state
pension age will affect the size of the working age population, and also affect other benefits.
The age to which people get certain benefits, such as Jobseeker’s Allowance, will increase in
line with the increase in state pension age.
DWP figures for August 2010 show some 7,360 residents aged between 55 and pension age
were claiming key out of work benefits. Estimates suggest that around 23% of Wakefield district
residents aged between 55 and pension age are claiming key working age benefits which is
higher than the regional (21%) and GB (20%) rates.
DWP data for August 2010 shows that ESA/Incapacity Benefit is the main working age benefit
for older unemployed people accounting for over 83% of those aged 55 to pension age claiming
key out of work benefits. Some 9.1% of older claimants claim JSA and others on income
related benefits account for 7.2% of the older client group. Lone parents represent just 0.1% of
the older age band.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue are the main reasons older
people claim IB or SDA with over 30% claiming for this reason. A large number, however, claim
for mental and behavioural disorders with around a quarter of this age group claiming for this
reason.
Older people are more likely to be claiming for longer durations. DWP data for August 2010
shows that 61.3% (4,510) of older key out of work benefit claimants have been claiming for
more than five years which is significantly higher than the regional and national averages of
55% respectively.
21
Table 10: Benefit Claimants Aged 55 to pension age by Client Group, Wakefield, August 2009
Client Group
ESA and incapacity benefits
job seeker
others on income related benefit
lone parent
key out of work benefits
No
%
6,150
83.6
670
9.1
530
7.2
10
0.1
7,360 100.0
Source: NOMIS (ONS)
4 Earnings and Income
Earnings data provide indicators of labour costs relating both to labour supply and labour
demand. The median earnings of the resident population of the area are a characteristic of the
labour supply provided by people living in that area. And the median earnings of people with a
workplace in the area are an indicator of the nature of the labour demand arising from
employers in the area.
When interpreting the figures related to income and earnings it is important to consider two
points. Firstly, earnings relate to the wages received by an individual whereas income may
include savings, investments or money from other sources e.g. welfare benefits. The second
point to note is the distinction between resident based earnings and workplace based earnings.
There can be a significant difference between the two due to commuting patterns and care
needs to be taken when examining the results.
Information about income and earnings in this chapter comes from two main sources:


Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings which is published annually by National Statistics
and provides both resident and workplace-based figures.
Acxiom Household Survey: a national household survey which provides demographic
information for local areas.
4.1 Average Earnings – Workplace Based
The median gross annual earnings for people working full-time in Wakefield was £23,540 in
2010, which is close to the Yorkshire and Humber region average (£23,844) but below the
national average (£25,993).
In 2000, workplace annual full-time earnings in Wakefield were around £700 higher than the
regional average and £700 lower than the national average. However, by 2010 the median
gross annual full-time pay of employees working in Wakefield was £300 below the regional
average and £2,450 lower than the national average.
Between 2000 and 2010 the median gross weekly pay for those working full time in Wakefield
rose by £5,337 (29.3%) compared with a rise of £6,341(36.2%) regionally and £7,078 (37%)
nationally. Median gross full-time pay appears to have peaked at £24,969 in 2008 and has
fallen for two consecutive years thereafter.
22
Figure 12 Workplace Full Time Median Gross Annual Pay, 2000-2010
FT Median Annual Pay -gross
£27,000
£25,000
£23,000
GB
£21,000
Y&H
£19,000
Wakefield
£17,000
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
£15,000
Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings – Workplace Analysis (ONS, NOMIS)
4.2 Average Earnings – Residence Based
The median gross annual full time earnings for people who live in Wakefield was £22,315 in
2010, which is lower than the comparable figure for the region (£23,396) and GB as a whole
(£26,000).
It is worth noting that the residence based figure of £22,315 is lower than the median gross full
time earnings figure for those who work in Wakefield of £23,540. Median full time earnings for
residents in the Wakefield District were on average £1,205 per annum lower than workplace
based estimates.
The difference between workplace and residence based earnings in Wakefield is the highest in
the Leeds City Region area (NB: Figures for Selby are suppressed as statistically unreliable)
and reflects the presence of high-earners who work within Wakefield but live outside the district
boundaries
23
Figure 13 Difference in Resident and Workplace Median FT Annual Pay (gross)
median FT annual pay - gross
Resident
Workplace
£27,000
£26,000
£25,000
£24,000
£23,000
£22,000
£21,000
£20,000
NB: Figures for Selby are suppressed as statistically unreliable
Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings – Resident and Workplace Analysis (ONS, NOMIS)
Of the ten local authority districts in the Leeds City Region (excluding Selby due to statistical
unreliability of data), Wakefield is ranked eighth in terms of residence based earnings.
However, when workplace based earnings are considered, Wakefield is ranked sixth. The three
North Yorkshire districts of Harrogate, Craven and York have the highest residence based
earnings and Leeds, York and Harrogate the highest workplace earnings within the region.
Table 11 Median Full Time Resident and Workplace Earnings (Gross)
by Local Authority Districts in the Leeds City Region, 2010
Area
Barnsley
Bradford
Calderdale
Craven
Harrogate
Kirklees
Leeds
Wakefield
York
Resident
£
Rank
£23,992
6
£22,235
9
£23,826
7
£25,415
2
£26,117
1
£24,325
5
£24,606
4
£22,315
8
£24,738
3
Workplace
£
Rank
£23,588
5
£22,770
8
£23,592
4
£22,133
9
£24,014
3
£23,169
7
£25,249
1
£23,540
6
£24,501
2
NB: Figures for Selby are suppressed as statistically unreliable
Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings – Resident and Workplace Analysis (ONS, NOMIS)
The relatively low earnings in Wakefield reflect the occupations in which residents are
employed. As noted in the Skills and Qualifications chapter, Wakefield has a relatively low
proportion of people employed in managerial and professional occupations with just 33.3%4.
4
ONS Annual Population Survey, Apr 2009-Mar 2010
24
4.3 Household Income
According to the Acxiom 2010 Household Survey the average gross household income
(including benefits and savings) for Wakefield is estimated to be £30,798, compared to £31,393
for Yorkshire & Humber and £36,141 for England as a whole.
The survey also shows that 27,146 or 19% of households in the district have a gross household
income of less than £10,000 per year compared with 14% nationally.
Around 13% of households have an average income of £50,000 or more against 18% for
England as a whole.
Household income varies significantly across the district. Wakefield South ward has the highest
average household income at £37,339. Conversely, Airedale and Ferry Fryston has the lowest
average household income with an estimated annual income of £21,047. Furthermore, around
29% of households in this ward have household incomes of less than £10,000 a year.
Such inequalities in wealth across the district are further evident when examining data at
neighbourhood level. The Indices of Deprivation 2010 shows that over two fifths of lower layer
super output areas in the Wakefield district are ranked in the most income deprived quintile in
England. In some parts over 40% of residents are considered to be experiencing income
deprivation. Figure 14 illustrates income deprivation quintile ranks within the Wakefield district.
Figure 14 Income Deprivation, Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2010
25
5 Skills and Qualifications
Human capital is a prerequisite of a successful knowledge economy. The workforce should
ideally be characterised by a good blend of academic and vocational skills.
Skills are one of the strategic weaknesses of the Wakefield district economy and a key priority
for the regeneration of the district. According to the Local Futures Skills and Qualification score,
the district is ranked 329 out of 407 districts, indicating a resident workforce that performs in the
bottom 20% of districts by national standards, in terms of human capital.
The Education, Skills and Training (EST) domain of the Indices of Deprivation 2010 show that
education and skills deprivation is widespread with many parts of the district affected by
education, skills and training deprivation.
The EST domain is split into two sub-domains - young people’s (16-24) educational attainment
and the level of skills/qualifications held by adults (25- 54). The young people’s sub-domain
takes into account a range of indicators, including average scores at Key Stage 2, 3 and 4, pupil
absentee rates, numbers not entering Higher Education and rates of young people remaining in
post-16 education. The adult sub-domain is measured using one indicator; the proportion of
adults (25-54) with no or low skills or qualifications.
Together the two sub-domains represent the flow and stock of educational disadvantage; the
young peoples’ sub-domain measuring a neighbourhood’s deprivation in attaining qualifications
and the skills sub-domain identifying skills/training deprivation in the resident working age
population.
Under this measure, over two fifths (43%) of LSOAs in the district are ranked within the 20%
most deprived in England and over one fifth (23%) are within the 10% most deprived.
Furthermore, six of these areas are ranked within the 1% most deprived in England. Figure 15
illustrates the widespread nature of education, skills and training deprivation within the district.
Figure 15 Education, Skills and Training Deprivation, Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2010
26
5.1 Educational Attainment
Those currently in education are the workforce of tomorrow and as such their skills and abilities
will drive future productivity and competitiveness.
Key Stage 2 qualifications are taken in year 6 when pupils are aged between 11 and 12.
Figures for 2010 show that 76% of 11 year olds in Wakefield reached the required standard in
English up from 75% in 2005. KS2 English attainment is below the 79% regional and 80%
national averages. In Mathematics 79% of 11 year olds reached the required standard which is
in line with the regional and national averages and is up from 77% in 2005.
In 2010, 56% of pupils taking GCSE’s achieved 5 or more passes at grades A*-C including
English and Maths, compared to 52% for Yorkshire and the Humber and 53% across England
as a whole. Figure 16 sets out variations in GCSE performance across the Leeds City Region’s
component parts. Success levels were highest in North Yorkshire (although this geography
includes local authorities defined to lie outside of the Leeds City Region) and Wakefield, but
comparatively lower in neighbouring Barnsley.
Young people in the most disadvantaged parts of the district however still lag behind the district
average by quite a gap, especially in the central urban areas of Wakefield and former coalfield
areas where in 2009 GCSE attainment (5A*-C including English and Maths) is estimated to
range between 34.5%5 and 71.3% against the Wakefield district average of 50.2%.
Figure 16 GCSE Performance Leeds City Region Local Education Authorities, 2010
% A*- C grades at GCSE or equiv incl E&M
70
60
50
44.4
40.2 42.3
55.8
52.8 54.2 54.5
49.2 50.6 50.8 51.4 51.5
58.6 59.1
61.6
52.0 53.4
40
30
20
10
0
Source: DfEE
Since 2005 the GCSE performance of the district’s young people has moved from 2.2
percentage points below the national average to 2.4 above the national average.
5
Figures based on in-house 2009 ward profiling estimates.
27
% 5+ A*-C grades or equiv incl E&M
Figure 17 GCSE Performance, 2005-2010
60.0
55.0
50.0
45.0
40.0
35.0
30.0
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Wakefield
40.4
42.9
46.5
51.3
49.3
55.8
Y&H
39.2
40.3
42.5
44.4
47.3
52.0
England
42.6
44.1
45.9
48.4
50.9
53.4
Source: DfEE
5.2 Further Education
Despite significant improvements in school attainment over recent years, staying on rates in the
district remain relatively low. Around 88% of young people completing Year 11 in 2009 chose to
continue in learning to develop their skills and abilities beyond their attainments at school which
is the lowest rate in the Yorkshire and Humber Region and the second lowest rate nationally
(92.8% England average). Staying on rates, however, have improved and the 2009 statistics
show an increase of almost 16 percentage points since 1996 (see Figure 18).
Figure 18 Participation Over Time, Wakefield District Year 11 School Leaver Destinations, 2003-2009
100%
90%
% Year 11 Leavers
80%
70%
No Response
60%
Moved out of contact
50%
Not settled
40%
Employment
30%
Gov supported training
20%
FT education
10%
0%
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Source: Headline Results from the Annual Activity Survey 2003-2009 by LA
The GCE A level is usually taken after GCSEs and a further two years of study in a sixth form or
equivalent. The average Level 3 QCA point score per student in 2010 was 743.6 up from 728.6
in 2006.
28
In the autumn of 2009, some 3.9% of the cohort was known to be in employment compared with
7.1% in 2008. Of those known to be in employment, less than a third were not receiving
training. Young people who enter employment without formal training are likely to be
disadvantaged in later life in terms of employment and earnings.
5.3 Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET)
Non participation in education, employment or training between the ages of 16 and 18 is a major
predictor of later unemployment, low income, involvement in crime and poor mental health, all of
which impact on the economy.
National Indicator 117- shows that at 2010 7.9% of 16-18 year olds in the district were Not in
Employment, Education or Training (NEET). This is the equivalent to 890 young people in the
district.
Figures for 2010 show that Wakefield has the second highest NEET rate in the Leeds City
Region. Trend data, however, suggests that NEET rates have declined over the last two year
years.
Figure 19 NEET Rates, Wakefield District, 2005-2010
14.0
% of 16-18 year olds NEET
12.0
10.0
8.0
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.0
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Source: The Places Database (data download tool)
It should be noted that Wakefield has a very low rate of young people in the ‘not known’ NEET
category which means the council is in contact with most young people in the cohort. The
council works with partners to engage vulnerable and at risk young people in activities to
progress into employment, education or training. This has contributed to reductions in NEET
figures over the last two years.
5.4 Higher Education
Many students experience difficulties in the transition from further to higher education and
Wakefield has a very low level of residents applying for university places. The number of local
residents entering UK Higher Educational Institutions declined in 2005/06 and 2006/07 which
may be connected with the rise in tuition fees during 2006. When fees were raised in 2006, the
number of entrants to UK Higher Education Institutions from Wakefield fell by 16% on the
2004/05 intake compared with a drop of 2% nationally. However, the number of entrants has
increased from 2007/08 onwards.
29
Figure 20 Higher Education - Number of English domiciled entrants to UK Higher Education Institutions.
Wakefield District, 2004/05 to 2008/09
2,600
Number of Entrants
2,500
2,400
2,300
2,200
2,100
2,000
1,900
2004/05
2005/06
2006/07
2007/08
2008/09
Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) student record
Figure 20 shows that the number of entrants who are Wakefield residents (all ages) to UK Higher
Education Institutions has fallen between 2004/05 to 2008/09 which is the largest decline in the
region and is in contrast to the majority of areas which experienced an increase in the number
of entrants.
Figure 21 Net change in the number of English domiciled entrants to UK Higher Education Institutions,
Barnsley
Rotherham
Doncaster
Sheffield
North Yorkshire
England
North Lincolnshire
Y&H
North East Lincolnshire
Leeds
East Riding of Yorkshire
York
Kirklees
Kingston upon Hull
Bradford
Calderdale
Wakefield
-10
0
10
20
30
40
% change
Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) student record
Despite overall improvements in school attainment and staying on rates wide disparities in some
neighbourhoods remain. On the whole, young people in the most disadvantaged parts of the
district still lag behind the district average in terms of higher level skills and are more likely to
face barriers to accessing higher education. Estimates for 2008 indicate just over 12% of young
people living in the 20% most deprived parts of the district were accepted onto a full time HE
course compared with 54% in the 20% least deprived neighbourhoods. When compared to the
regional and national averages, young people living in the most deprived neighbourhoods in the
30
district are less likely to access higher education, however, the reverse applies to those living in
the least deprived areas.
Figure 22 Estimated Proportion of 18 Year Old Population Accepted through UCAS onto a Full-Time HE Course
Aged 18 or 19 by Deprivation Category of Home Neighbourhood, 2008
60
50
% cohort
40
30
20
10
0
20% most
deprived
21-40%
41-60%
61-80%
20% least
deprived
Wakefield
12.3
22.1
33.1
43.3
53.8
Y&H
16.2
24.7
33.7
41.2
47.1
Eng
21.8
27.9
34.9
41.5
49.1
Source: AonA analysis of UCAS data, ONS and Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007 (Overall score)
5.5 Adult Skills
Levels of skills attainment amongst the district’s working age population are somewhat below
the regional and national average (Figure 22). A recent study commissioned by the BBC to look
at economic resilience levels and the ability of each local authority area to withstand sudden
changes in the economy, suggests Wakefield performs poorly on human capital. The research
shows that when compared to other local authority areas in the region, Wakefield performs least
well on the People score (ranked 306 out of 324 nationally). This is the worst performance in
both the Leeds City Region and the Yorkshire and Humber region as a whole. The variables
used highlight a low proportion of the workforce qualified to at least NVQ level 4, which
translates into high levels of people in elementary occupations on low average earnings.
31
Figure 23 Qualifications of the Wakefield District Working Age Population (Jan-Dec 2009)
% aged 16-64
90.0
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
NVQ4 and
above
NVQ3 and
above
NVQ2 and
above
NVQ1 and
above
No
qualificatio
ns
Wakefield
19.0
41.1
57.6
77.2
12.9
Y&H
26.6
47.0
63.5
78.6
12.8
GB
29.9
49.3
65.4
78.9
12.0
Source: ONS annual population survey (NOMIS)
Low skills attainment is a significant issue within the Wakefield district with around 26,600
residents lacking any educational qualification. The proportion of the working age population
with higher qualifications is very low by national standards, with 19% (39,200) of all residents
qualified to NVQ4+ in 2009. By comparison the Yorkshire and Humber figure was 26.6% and
the national figure was 29.9%. This is the second lowest rate in the Leeds City Region. This
can be partly ascribed to the restructuring of the local economy around sectors which do not
have the greatest demand for higher level skills, but there is evidence to show that local
residents are not taking up the higher level skilled posts that are being created.
Table 12 Leeds City Region Local Authorities by Skill Level, Jan-Dec 2009
NVQ4+
NVQ3+
NVQ2+
NVQ1+
York
Harrogate
Leeds
Kirklees
Craven
Selby
Calderdale
Bradford
Wakefield
Barnsley
York
Harrogate
Leeds
Kirklees
Selby
Calderdale
Craven
Bradford
Wakefield
Barnsley
York
Craven
Harrogate
Leeds
Kirklees
Calderdale
Selby
Wakefield
Bradford
Barnsley
York
Harrogate
Craven
Leeds
Calderdale
Kirklees
Wakefield
Selby
Barnsley
Bradford
No
qualifications
(ranked lowest to
highest)
York
Harrogate
Craven
Leeds
Calderdale
Wakefield
Kirklees
Selby
Barnsley
Bradford
Source: ONS annual population survey (NOMIS)
The Wakefield higher skills rate has improved in recent years and according to the 2009 Annual
Population Survey the proportion of working age residents qualified to NVQ4+ increased by 1.6
percentage points on the previous year compared to 1.3 percentage points for GB as a whole.
However, the higher level skills gap has widened and is now 10.9 percentage points below the
national average compared with 7.3 in 2004.
32
Figure 24 Skills Level Trend, Wakefield District Residents, 2004 to 2009
% 16-64 year olds
90.0
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
Jan 04Dec 04
Jan 05Dec 05
Jan 06Dec 06
Jan 07Dec 07
Jan 08Dec 08
Jan 09Dec 09
NVQ4+
18.8
19.9
20.0
17.6
17.4
19.0
NVQ3+
37.2
38.9
40.2
37.7
36.9
41.1
NVQ2+
54.3
54.4
55.5
55.6
55.6
57.6
NVQ1+
72.6
72.3
73.7
72.9
73.5
77.2
No qualifications
18.1
16.6
15.8
16.3
15.2
12.9
Source: ONS annual population survey (NOMIS)
5.6 Occupational Structure
As the national economy continues to shift towards a knowledge led economy, the more it will
demand higher skill occupations6 reflecting the occupational structure of new industries. But
data from the Annual Population Survey (Apr 2009 – Mar 2010) shows the Wakefield district has
a significantly lower proportion of residents employed in professional and managerial
occupations than the regional and national average. In contrast, Wakefield has a higher
proportion of employment in process, plant & machine operatives and elementary occupations.
Table 13 Employment by Occupation, Wakefield District Residents, Apr 2009-Mar 2010
Wakefield
Y&H
GB
Occupational Group
No
%
%
%
Soc 2000 major group 1-3
49,300
33.3
40.2
44.3
1 Managers and senior officials
17,300
11.7
14.7
15.7
2 Professional occupations
13,300
9.0
11.9
13.7
3 Associate professional & technical
18,700
12.6
13.4
14.7
Soc 2000 major group 4-5
37,700
25.5
21.1
21.6
4 Administrative & secretarial
20,000
13.5
10.8
11.2
5 Skilled trades occupations
17,800
12.0
10.2
10.4
Soc 2000 major group 6-7
22,600
15.3
17.7
16.2
6 Personal service occupations
10,100
6.8
9.4
8.7
7 Sales and customer service occs
12,600
8.5
8.2
7.4
Soc 2000 major group 8-9
38,200
25.9
21.0
17.9
8 Process plant & machine operatives
15,400
10.4
8.4
6.6
9 Elementary occupations
22,800
15.4
12.5
11.1
Source: ONS annual population survey (NOMIS)
Note: Numbers and % are for those of 16+ % is a proportion of all persons in employment
Furthermore, occupational structure varies within the region. Wakefield district residents are
less likely to be occupied in occupations requiring higher level skills.
Examples of higher level occupations include corporate administrators; managers and
proprietors; science/technical ; Health; social/welfare; teaching/research; legal; business
6
UK CES; NINJ
33
professionals; architects; town planners; draughtspersons & building inspectors; IT service
delivery ; therapists.
According to the ONS Annual Population Survey (Apr 2009 – Mar 2010), Wakefield has the
lowest proportion of residents occupied in managerial, professional and associate professional
occupations in the Leeds City Region. Wakefield also has the highest proportion in lower skilled
jobs such as process plant/machine operatives and elementary type occupations.
% of those in employment aged 16+
Figure 25 Higher and Lower Skill Level Occupations,
Leeds City Region Local Authority Areas (residents based), Apr 2009-Mar 2010
Managerial, professional & assoc professional
Process plant & machine operative & elementary
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
46.7
43.9
35.3
22.1
41.3
39.3
38.7
43.9
47.5
46.9
33.3
22.4
25.9
19.5
18.9
19.9
20.3
17.4
12.5
13.4
Source: ONS annual population survey (NOMIS)
Note: Numbers and % are for those of 16+ % is a proportion of all persons in employment
The number of Wakefield residents employed in managerial and professional occupations
decreased by 11% (-3,800) between the year ending Mar 05 to Mar 10 which is contrary to rises
of 7.1% for the region and 8.6% for GB as a whole. The number of residents employed in
personal service; sales and customer service; and elementary occupations has also declined
and compares unfavourably against the regional and national trends. However, the number of
residents employed in associate professional & technical; administrative & secretarial; and
skilled trades occupations have all increased.
5.7 Skills Mismatch
In contrast to the decline in the number of higher level occupations filled by Wakefield residents
over the last five years, the reverse has occurred for workplace based employment (ie people
employed at workplaces within the Wakefield district) with an increase in the number of people
employed in managerial; professional; associate professional & technical occupations.
Furthermore, occupational growth in managers and senior officials at workplaces in the district
compares favourably with the regional and national trends.
Workplace employment growth in associate professional and technical occupations also
compares favourably to the regional and national averages. Employment growth also occurred
in administrative & secretarial and skilled trades occupations which is contrary to declines for
the region and GB as a whole.
Negative growth occurred in personal service occupations amongst both residents and
workplaces which is contrary to growth occurring at the regional and national level.
34
The greatest employment decline occurred in elementary and process plant and machine
operative occupations for both residents and workplaces. This was at a faster rate than the
regional and national rates. The number of people employed in sales and customer service
occupations also declined.
The 2009 Employers Skills Survey shows that 17% of workplaces surveyed in Wakefield
reported having employees who were not fully proficient at their job. The incidence of skills
gaps in Wakefield is in line with the regional average and lower than the England average
(19%).
The imbalance between residence and workplace higher level skills implies there might be a
mismatch between the jobs on offer and the skills possessed by the resident working-age
population in the local area. Results from the 2001 Census show that around 40% of workplace
jobs which would traditionally require a higher level qualification were occupied by people
commuting in to the Wakefield district. This compares with 25% in Harrogate and 30% in
Kirklees.
Table 14 Residents and Workplace Occupational Structure Change, Wakefield District
(year ending March 2005 to March 2010)
Residents
Workplace
Occupational Group
No
%
No
%
-2,400
-12.2
4,300
24.9
1 Managers and senior officials
-1,400
-9.5
100
0.6
2 Professional occupations
1,400
8.1
1,300
8.2
3 Associate professional & technical
3,100
18.3
1,700
11.3
4 Administrative & secretarial
3,900
28.1
500
3.4
5 Skilled trades occupations
-1,400
-12.2
-100
-0.9
6 Personal service occupations
-4,200
-25.0
-1,500 -11.5
7 Sales and customer service occs
-400
-2.5
-2,900 -15.8
8 Process plant & machine operatives
-6,900
-23.2
-7,000 -23.3
9 Elementary occupations
-8,300
-5.3
-3,600
-2.4
TOTAL
Source: ONS annual population survey, residents & workplace (NOMIS)
The mismatch between the profile of local workers and local residents is reflected in the
district’s skills and occupational profile. Despite growth in higher level occupations occurring in
Wakefield workplaces, residents have not benefitted as expected, with significant shares of the
population in ‘low end’ occupations. This has led to high levels of income and employment
deprivation across significant areas of the district.
5.8 Future Demand
Increasing the proportion of people with high level skills has been identified as a key priority by
academics and policy makers alike on the basis that this will boost business competitiveness
and achieve greater prosperity.
Skills for employment in the future will be at a higher level. The changes to the labour market
underline the need to have an increasingly skilled workforce. Employment growth has occurred
in sectors and occupations that require qualified and educated workers. The strongest growth
in future employment is predicted to occur at managerial, professional and technican level7 .
7
Institute for Employment Research at the University of Warwick in conjunction with Cambridge Econometrics Research Papers
Working Futures 2007-17
35
The chart below shows that in 1996 there were fewer people employed at Wakefield district
workplaces in higher level skilled occupations than those in more basic lower skilled
occupations, but this converged by 2007. Between 2007 and 2026, the number of people
occupied in higher level skilled occupations is forecast to increase by 6,500 (15.5%) compared
with 2,160 (5.2%) for those occupied in occupations requiring lower level skills.
Figure 26 Higher and Lower Level Occupational Trends Forecast,
(workplace based) 1996 to 2026
SOC 1-2 (Managerial & Professional)
000s
SOC 8-9 (Process, Plant & machine ops & Elementary occs)
50
48
46
44
42
40
38
36
34
32
30
1996
2006
2016
2026
Source: Yorkshire Forward Regional Econometric Model, Autumn (September 2010)
Levels of skills attainment for residents living in the Wakefield district are lower than the Leeds
City Region and the UK averages. The skills base of the Wakefield district workplace
population has improved over recent years, however, disparities still exist.
Latest available workplace occupational forecasts suggest that by 2026 the overall occupational
structure will be broadly similar to 2010 with the following key differences:

Growth in the proportion employed in managerial and senior official occupations. A
slight decrease in the proportion employed in professional and associate professional
and technical occupations is forecast and these categories are likely to become more
under-represented within the district when compared to the UK averages.

A larger proportion of people employed in sales and customer service occupations will
occur and a slight increase will occur in the proportion employed in process, plant and
machine operative occupations.
Table 15 Current and Forecast Occupational Structure, % of workforce (workplace based)
Wakefield Relative
2010
2026
to UK
Occupational Group
Wakefield
UK
Wakefield
UK
2010
2026
1 Managers and senior officials
15.2
16.3
16.1
17.2
-1.1
-1.1
2 Professional occupations
11.1
13.1
10.8
13.4
-1.9
-2.6
3 Associate professional & technical
13.4
14.8
13.2
15.3
-1.4
-2.1
4 Administrative & secretarial
11.4
11.9
10.2
11.0
-0.5
-0.8
5 Skilled trades occupations
9.1
10.4
9.0
9.7
-1.3
-0.6
6 Personal service occupations
6.9
8.2
6.8
8.5
-1.3
-1.7
7 Sales and customer service occs
8.8
7.3
9.7
7.6
1.5
2.1
36
8 Process plant & machine operatives
10.7
7.1
10.8
6.8
3.6
4.0
9 Elementary occupations
13.3
10.9
13.3
10.6
2.4
2.8
Source: Yorkshire Forward Regional Econometric Model, Autumn (September 2010)
In net job growth terms, expansion in higher level occupations is forecast to continue in the
district, although this will be at a slower rate than the Leeds City Region and UK growth rates.
Figure 9 shows that the number of people employed in higher level occupations (first two
occupational groups) at workplaces within the Wakefield district is set to increase by around
5,100. Further growth is predicted in professional and associate professional and technical
occupations. Overall, employment is set to increase by around 15,800 jobs between 2010 and
2006.
With the exception of negative growth in administrative and secretarial related occupations,
growth is also expected to occur across all broad industrial occupational groups.
Figure 27 Net Employment Change, Wakefield District (workplace based), 2010 to 2026
-1,000
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
Managers & senior officials
Professional
Associate Prof & Technical
Administrative & secretarial
Skilled trades
Personal service
Sales & customer service
Process, plant & machine ops
Elementary
Source: Yorkshire Forward Regional Econometric Model, Autumn (September 2010)
6 Deprivation
This section is lifted from Pete’s draft IMD paper.
The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2010 district summaries show Wakefield District to be
the 67th most deprived district in England, out of 326. This is an improvement on the position in
2007. Wakefield’s ranking position within the region has moved from 7th most deprived district
in 2007 to 8th most deprived.
The proportion of neighbourhoods among the top-20% most deprived nationally is a common
benchmark of district-level deprivation relative to elsewhere in the country. The proportion of
Wakefield District’s neighbourhoods in this group has reduced from 35% in 2004 to 31% in 2007
and now to 29% in 2010.
Focussing in on the very most deprived, in 2007 there 47,000 people across the District living in
neighbourhoods among the top-10% most deprived in England. This number has fallen to
40,500 people in 2010.
37
The IMD is based upon a wide range of indicators organised into seven weighted sub-domains.
Wakefield’s district-level deprivation picture tends to be shaped by poorer education,
employment and health outcomes relative to elsewhere, while problems associated with
housing, access to services and the living environment are generally better. Within the district,
however, there are marked differences between areas, wards and neighbourhoods.
Between 2007 and 2010 most neighbourhoods saw some change in their deprivation scores
and ranking positions, but the majority of these changes are small. An analysis to identify
meaningful amounts of change has revealed only one neighbourhood getting a significantly
worse rank; and seven neighbourhoods getting worse ranks. The majority of these
neighbourhoods are not at all deprived, but they have changed. A further 36 neighbourhoods
have better ranks and 11 neighbourhoods have significantly better ranks. Some of these
improving neighbourhoods are at the more-deprived end of Wakefield’s deprivation spectrum
and they are improving in almost all respects.
Despite these improving conditions there is a widening gap within the district between the most
deprived and the least deprived neighbourhoods. The improvements between 2007 and 2010
have tended to be found among neighbourhoods at the less-deprived end of the spectrum, while
for the poorest neighbourhoods there has been little significant change.
The IMD 2010 district summaries show Wakefield District to be the 67th most deprived district in
England, out of 326. In 2007, Wakefield ranked 66th from 354, so the picture of district-level
deprivation relative to elsewhere has improved.
Figure 28 shows what proportion of neighbourhoods fall into the England quintiles for each
district in the Yorkshire and Humber region. Hull has the greatest proportion of its
neighbourhoods in the most deprived fifth nationally, followed by Bradford. By contrast, there
are only a small number of the most deprived neighbourhoods among the North Yorkshire
districts.
Figure 28 Proportion of LSOAs by Deprivation Deciles, Yorkshire and Humber Local Authority Districts, ID2010
Hull
Bradford
North East Lincolnshire
Doncaster
Sheffield
Barnsley
Rotherham
Wakefield
Leeds
Kirklees
Calderdale
Scarborough
North Lincolnshire
East Riding of Yorkshire
York
Craven
Selby
Harrogate
Hambleton
Richmondshire
Ryedale
0%
20%
quintiles
40%
1
2
60%
3
80%
4
5
100%
38
Although the ranking positions within the region have not changed a great deal between 2007
and 2010 there have been changes to the number of neighbourhoods in the national top-20%
most-deprived group. Barnsley has fared best, with a net movement of seven (5%) of its
neighbourhoods out of the England top-20% group between IMD 2007 and IMD 2010. The next
best performance came from Wakefield, with a net movement of 4 (2%) of its neighbourhoods
out of the England top-20% group. Bradford, Leeds, East Riding, Kirklees, Rotherham, North
Lincs., Craven and Scarborough all saw numbers of their neighbourhoods in the national top20% group increase.
6.1 Geography and Extent
Figure 29 shows the geography of multiple deprivation at the neighbourhood scale. The least
deprivation tends to be found in the Wakefield North West and Wakefield Rural areas.
Figure 29 Indices of Multiple Deprivation, Wakefield District, 2010
The proportion of the population living in the top-20% most deprived neighbourhoods nationally,
what is termed the extent, has generally reduced between 2004 and 2010, except in Pontefract
and Knottingley (Table 16). The IMD 2010 also shows a marked reduction in the extent of
deprivation in the South East since the IMD 2007 (this change is more accurately between
2005/06 and 2008/09, given the periods that data are collected).
39
Table 16 Extents of Deprivation, Wakefield District Seven Delivery Areas, 2004-2010
Population living in neighbourhoods among top20% most deprived nationally
2004
2007
2010
2010
Delivery Area
%
%
%
people
Castleford
67
50
49
18,833
Wakefield Central
56
51
49
23,818
South East
52
52
38
18,439
Pontefract and Knottingley
31
35
35
15,305
Normanton and Featherstone
35
33
32
12,841
Wakefield Rural
13
10
10
4,327
Wakefield North West
0
0
0
0
Wakefield District
35
31
29
93,563
The Castleford area has seen significant reductions in extent since the IMD 2004 but 38% of
young people aged under 16 and 30% of people over 64 are still living in neighbourhoods
amongst the top-10% most deprived nationally (Table 17). Across the district as a whole, 40,459
people are living in neighbourhoods among the top-10% most deprived neighbourhoods in
England, down from 47,032 people in 2007.
Table 17 Extent of Deprivation by Age Group, IMD 2010
Population living in neighbourhoods among
top-10% most deprived nationally
Under 16
Over 64
All ages
Delivery Area
People
%
People
%
People
Castleford
2,776
38
1,794
30
12,642
Wakefield Central
2,920
30
2,011
29
12,693
South East
1,204
13
1,271
16
5,739
Pontefract and Knottingley
1,017
13
646
8
4,491
Normanton and Featherstone
735
10
483
8
3,323
Wakefield Rural
276
4
193
2
1,571
Wakefield North West
0
0
0
0
0
Wakefield District
8928
15
6398
12
40459
%
33
26
12
10
8
3
0
12
6.2 Theme
As mentioned above, the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) is a combination of scores for
seven sub-domains. In turn, each of the sub-domain scores is calculated using between four
and seven indicators. Looking at how neighbourhoods are scored by individual sub-domain can
give an indication of what issues are driving the overall picture of multiple deprivation.
For Wakefield District as a whole, it is indicators of educational achievement, employment and
health where there are the most neighbourhoods amongst the top-10% most deprived nationally
(Table 18). By contrast, problems associated with housing, access to services and the living
environment are fewer in Wakefield than elsewhere. Table? also gives an impression of which
sub-domains have seen the most change between 2004 and 2010 (low numbers are best).
Problems of poor health and disability appear not to be as marked relative to elsewhere in
England as they once were.
40
Table 18 Number of neighbourhoods (out of 209) in Wakefield District amongst the top 10% most deprived
neighbourhoods nationally by sub-domain
2004
54
49
60
24
19
12
0
Education, skills and training
Employment
Health deprivation and disability
Crime and disorder
Income
Living environment
Barriers to housing and services
2007
56
41
53
27
16
2
0
2010
49
42
38
27
15
5
0
Again, there are differences by sub-domain within the district (Table 19). For example,
Wakefield Central and the South East have similar proportions of neighbourhoods in the top20% most deprived nationally for health and education, but the South East has far fewer
neighbourhoods that are in the top-20% most deprived nationally for income and crime.
Employment
Health and disability
Education, skills and
training
Barriers to housing
Crime and disorder
Living environment
IMD
24
30
30
29
25
30
41
Income
Delivery Area
Castleford
Wakefield Central
South East
Pontefract and Knottingley
Normanton and Featherstone
Wakefield Rural
Wakefield North West
Number of
neighbourhoods
Table 19 Percentage of neighbourhoods amongst the top-20% most deprived neighbourhoods nationally
by sub-domain
38%
47%
20%
21%
20%
13%
0%
58%
53%
60%
41%
44%
23%
0%
46%
63%
57%
38%
36%
20%
5%
67%
57%
53%
62%
56%
23%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
3%
0%
63%
47%
20%
41%
12%
17%
0%
13%
13%
0%
0%
0%
7%
0%
50%
50%
40%
34%
32%
10%
0%
7 Health
There is a critical link between the health of the workforce and a successful local economy. The
area has a higher than average population of people who describe themselves as feeling in
‘poor health’ and mortality rates lag behind national averages in terms of circulatory diseases
and cancers. There are also relatively high levels of teenage conception, obesity and smoking
and substance misuse.
As indicated earlier, the district displays high levels of worklessness and ill health is a major
contributing factor. The area has a higher than average population of people who describe
themselves as feeling in ‘poor health' and average life expectancy for the district is lower than
the average for England with death rates from smoking and early deaths from heart disease,
stroke and from cancer all higher than England averages. There are also relatively high levels of
teenage conception, obesity, smoking and substance misuse
Wakefield’s Joint Strategic Needs Assessment provides an in depth analysis of the health and
wellbeing of people in the Wakefield district. It also provides an overview of future health, care
and well-being needs. The Welcome to Wakefield’s Developing Healthier Communities – The
41
Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) 2008-2011 is available at:
http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/7A0CE03D-B2A9-4578-BB4C54B6BC412688/0/Joint_strategic_needs_assessment_May09.pdf
8 Child Poverty
This section provides a brief statistical overview of child poverty within the Wakefield district.
The Child Poverty Act 2009 placed a duty on local authorities and their partners to publish both
a child poverty needs assessment and child poverty strategy. These are available at: www.
The Government’s Child Poverty Unit states that ‘broadly speaking, child poverty means
growing up in a household with low income’.
Poverty experienced during childhood can not only have a profound and lasting impact on
children and their families, but can also have costs to society and the economy:
 Expectations and future aspirations amongst children who grow up in low income
families are lower than for children from wealthier families;
 Children who grow up in poverty lack many of the experiences and opportunities that
others take for granted;
 Growing up in poverty affects children’s outcomes as adults, and these, in turn, affect
their children, and so a cycle of poverty is created;
 Poverty in childhood can cause poverty in the future. Poor children are less likely to
achieve higher level skills and qualifications, which are critical to enter the workforce and
progress in work, as well as to thrive in other areas of life;
 Those living in poverty are more likely to have poorer health outcomes, for example
teenage pregnancy which in itself creates further poverty for the parent and child;
Communities with greater levels of poverty suffer through increased deprivation and
inequalities, which reduce social cohesion;
 The UK’s productivity, and therefore its competitiveness in the global economy, is limited
by low educational achievement and aspirations, and poor health;
On average throughout the Wakefield district, one in five (20.4%) children are classified as living
in poverty8 which is in line with the England average (20.9%).
Ward data reveals wide disparities with child poverty rates ranging from 8.5% in Stanley and
Outwood East and Wrenthorpe and Outwood West to 35.8% in Airedale and Ferry Fryston (see
Table 20).
Table 20 Proportion of Children Living in Poverty, 2008
Percentage of children
Ward
in poverty
Ackworth, North Elmsall and Upton
14.7%
Airedale and Ferry Fryston
35.8%
Altofts and Whitwood
16.4%
Castleford Central and Glasshoughton
14.9%
Crofton, Ryhill and Walton
15.3%
Featherstone
25.3%
Hemsworth
24.6%
Horbury and South Ossett
11.7%
Knottingley
26.8%
8
Households whose equivalised income is below 60% of the national median (source: NI 116, HMRC, 2008)
42
Ward
Normanton
Ossett
Pontefract North
Pontefract South
South Elmsall and South Kirkby
Stanley and Outwood East
Wakefield East
Wakefield North
Wakefield Rural
Wakefield South
Wakefield West
Wrenthorpe and Outwood West
Wakefield District
Yorkshire & the Humber
England
Percentage of children
in poverty
20.5%
11.0%
17.0%
21.1%
24.3%
8.5%
30.5%
25.9%
11.1%
19.4%
35.0%
8.8%
20.4%
21.4%
20.9%
Source: NI 116 HMRC 2008
At sub ward level there are even greater concentrations and more localised data sources reveal
even wider disparities. Child poverty is spatially concentrated in some former coalfield areas
and within Wakefield’s inner urban areas and outlying social estates.
The Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI) was published alongside the Indices of
Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2010. The purpose of the IDACI is to capture the proportion of
children experiencing income deprivation in a small area. The IDACI comprises the percentage
of children under 16 living in families reliant on various means tested benefits as a proportion of
all children aged 0-15 and is calculated at Lower Super Output Area (LSOA) level.
Thirty-four of the district’s 209 LSOAs are ranked in the 20% most deprived nationally under this
measure. Children living in one LSOA in Castleford experience the highest levels of income
deprivation with 62% of the child population living in households reliant on various means tested
benefits.
The 2009 Child Wellbeing Index, produced by Communities and Local Government (CLG),
looks at various factors relating to child wellbeing including housing, education, health, material
wellbeing and education. Out of a total of 354 districts Wakefield was placed 334th in the health
and disability ranks, making it the lowest placed district within the Leeds City Region and 21st
lowest in the country as a whole.
The Annual Population Survey estimates over 19% of children living in working age families in
the Wakefield district live in workless households compared with 18% for the region and 16% for
England as a whole. However, the share of children living in working households at 53% is
higher than the regional and national averages (51% respectively). Some 28% of children live
in households where a household member is working and workless which is lower than the
regional (31%) and national (33%) rates.
43
% children
Figure 30 Percentage of children living in households
by combined economic activity status of household members: January-December 2009
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Working
Households
Mixed
Households
Workless
Households
England
50.7
32.9
16.4
Y&H
50.7
31.2
18.2
Wakefield
53.1
27.6
19.4
Source: Annual Population Survey
Since 2004, the proportion of children living in working households has fallen by 10.2
percentage points from 63.3% to 53.1% in 2009. Furthermore, the share of children
living in mixed and workless households has increased. The rise in the rate of children
living in workless households has risen sharply since 2007 due to the impact of the
economic downturn.
Figure 31 Percentage of children living in households in the Wakefield District
by combined economic activity status of household members: 2004 to 2009
70.0
60.0
% children
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Working Households
63.3
56.4
62.1
57.5
55.8
53.1
Mixed Households
22.7
30.2
24.7
30.7
31.6
27.6
Workless Households
14.1
13.5
13.2
11.8
12.5
19.4
Source: Annual Population Survey
44
9 References
Office for National Statistics (2010) Population estimates for UK, England and Wales, Scotland
and Northern Ireland. The estimated resident population of an area includes all people who
usually live there, whatever their nationality. Available at
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/product.asp?vlnk=15106
Office for National Statistics (2007) Resident Population Estimates by Ethnic Group
(experimental). Available at http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/product.asp?vlnk=14238
Wakefield Council (2011) Bi-annual count of gypsy and traveller caravans. Unpublished data
collected for the Department for Communities and Local Government. Latest data from DCLG
available at
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/caravancountjul2010
Local Government Association (2011) Workers Registration Scheme data. Available at
http://www.lga.gov.uk/lga/core/page.do?pageId=1095223
Home Office (2011) Control of immigration: quarterly statistical summaries,. Available at
http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration-asylum-stats.html
Wakefield Council (2009) Local Development Framework Core Strategy. Available at
http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/Planning/SpatialPolicy/pub_LDF/CoreStrategy/default.htm
Wakefield Council (2010) Draft Index of Multiple Deprivation 2010 Wakefield District.
Bailey, N. and Livingston, M. (2007) Population turnover and area deprivation. Joseph
Rowntree Foundation: York.
Office for National Statistics (2010) 2008-based Sub-National Population Projections for
England (SNPP). Available at http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/product.asp?vlnk=997
Wakefield Council and Wakefield District NHS Primary Care Trust (2009) ‘Developing Healthier
Communities’ The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for Wakefield 2008-2011. Available at
http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/7A0CE03D-B2A9-4578-BB4C54B6BC412688/0/Joint_strategic_needs_assessment_May09.pdf
45