In a previous post we discussed the exciting new geography, Workplace Zones. Developed for Census 2011, Workplace Zones have been created to enable the publication of data on people working within areas. As promised, the Library has used Workplace Zones as building blocks to produce data on people working within English and Welsh parliamentary constituencies. The data have been published online for readers to investigate: simply use the drop downs to select the constituencies and topics you are interested in.

Some analysis……

This map distorts constituency boundaries according to the size of the workplace population. Colour is also used to show the difference between constituencies’ resident and workplace populations aged 16-74.

The largest of the seven dark red constituencies is the Cities of London and Westminster. This constituency has the largest workplace population by some way: at over 894,000 the constituency’s workplace population is close to 10 times larger than its resident population aged 16-74. It is one of nineteen constituencies whose workplace population is greater than its resident population aged 16-74. It isn’t surprising that the majority of constituencies have a smaller workplace population than resident population: not all residents will be in work.

140811 constituencies as workplaces map V_2.tif

Click on image to enlarge

A quick look at the Library’s online tool reveals further interesting information about constituencies’ workplace populations. Here is a sample:

  • In Barrow in Furness 33% of workers travel less than 2km to work – a bit different to the average London commute!
  • Well before this year’s Grand Départ Cambridge had the cycling bug – 20% use the bicycle to get into work.
  • These boots were made for walking…well if you work in Brighton Pavilion they are – 24% travel to work on foot
  • Holborn and St Pancras boasts the most qualified workers – 64% hold at least a level 4 qualification

More statistics like these can be found in the online tool by selecting the constituency and topics you are interested in.

Matthew Keep

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