The economic activity rate indicates the proportion of the working age population that are participating in the local labour market by either being in employment or seeking employment. Latest economic activity rates for the area are healthy at 79.2% and are above the national average of 78.1%.
As can be seen from the table below, public administration, education and health is the largest sector in the area by employees. This is in line with both regional and national figures, albeit at a slightly higher proportion particularly in the areas outside of Bournemouth and Poole. Further analysis of the data also illustrates the relatively high proportion of employees in the financial services sector in Bournemouth and in the manufacturing sector in Poole.
Employment by sectors
% by employees
Dorset *
SW
UK
Public admin, education and health
31
30
29
Distribution, hotels and restaurants
20
21
19
Banking, finance and insurance
15
14
16
Manufacturing
12
13
13
Other
22
22
23
* including Bournemouth and Poole
ONS Mar 06
Average pay across Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole in 2007 was £22,000, which is £3,500 less than for the South East region and £9,300 less than the London average.
With its abundant labour force possessing a diverse mix of skills and comparatively low salaries, Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole is an excellent place to locate and grow a business.
