The demand by employers for people to do particular jobs can be infl uenced by: (a) Changes in technology
These changes can reduce demand for some jobs and drive down wages for the affected workers. For example, robotics and automation have reduced demand and wages for workers on assembly lines. However, wages can rise for staff who can use new technologies. For example, the growth in online shopping has reduced the demand for retail sales jobs, but has created new jobs and pushed up wages for people with web design and online marketing skills.
(b) The general economic environment
When the economy is growing and businesses are expanding, pay tends to rise as businesses compete to attract staff. However, if unemployment is high, then wages generally tend to fall as people are more willing to accept lower wages in exchange for a job.
Research
1. Using the Internet, fi nd out the pay available for the following jobs: (a) Nurse (b) Shop manager (c) Hairdresser (d) Primary school teacher (e) Graphic designer (f) TD (g) Plumber (h) Premier league soccer player (i) Hollywood movie star
2. Why do you think that premier league soccer players and movie stars can earn so much compared to other jobs?
3. In class, compare the answers you have found to question 1, and discuss your answers to question 2.
