4A.1 Economy classification and variation

Relationship between economic activity and quality of life; sectors and types of employment

Life expectancy trends

• Generally lower in Scotland, NW England and midlands

• Highest in S and SE England

Educational attainment trends

• Highest in N Scotland and S England

• Lowest in south wales and Skegness

Child poverty trends

• Lowest in SE

• Highest in Wales and around Manchester

  Scarborough: 31%

  Altrincham: 13%

Average pay trends

• Highest in SE, especially London/greater London

• Lower in coastal regions (W)

  Scarborough: 17-20k

  Altrincham: 20-25k

Manufacturing jobs trends

• Common in N

• Lower in S and SE England

Correlation between average pay and manufacturing jobs

Higher the average lay, lower the number of manufacturing jobs

→ reading: 25-30k, lowest manufacturing category

→ Scarborough: 17-20k, middle manufacturing

Correlation between average pay and quality of life indicators (life expectancy, child poverty and educational attainment)

Higher the pay, higher the quality of life indicators - positive correlation

→ reading: highest quintile life expectancy, <5% child poverty, high educational attainment

→ Middlesbrough (under 17k): lowest quintile life expectancy, 40% child poverty

Reasons for link between economic activity and quality of life

• Modern high tech industry- generate ‘new’ money

  → positive multiplier effect on other services

• Long manual hours (agriculture, building etc.)- raised risk of poor health and mortality

• Income variation- affect housing quality and diet

• Low income children- lower educational achievement

  → lack of control, reluctance to continue