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UK Economy Update: What is a Tight Labour Market?
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Geoff Riley
25th November 2022
In this revision video we explore the meaning of a tight labour market and look at some evidence. We also think about some of the economic effects and how businesses are responding to labour shortages.
What is a tight labour market?
- A labour market is “tight” if vacant jobs are plentiful and available workers are scarce.
- This often happens when unemployment has fallen, and economic growth is strong with many employers looking to expand their workforce
- But it can occur when there is a decline in labour force participation / rise in economic inactivity
Some consequences of labour market tightness
- Can contribute to a supply crunch where production is hampered by labour shortages
- Increases relative bargaining power of people in work – perhaps a rise in union pay demands
- Can lead to cost-push inflation as employers pay higher wages to hire and retain key staff
- Might cause interest rates to be higher too
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