Which of the following will NOT bring about an increase in Labour force?

Analyze the question

The labour force is the part of the population that is able and willing to work (usually the working-age group). The question asks which option will NOT increase it.

Explain the concept

The size of the labour force depends on:

• Population growth: births, deaths, and life expectancy
• Migration: people moving into or out of the country
• Working-age group: how many people fall within the productive age range

Solution (checking each option)

• A. Decrease in death rate: More people survive and live longer, so the population grows and more people reach working age. This increases the labour force.
• B. Better medical services: People are healthier and live longer, and fewer die early. Workers are also healthier and more productive. This increases the labour force.
• C. Immigration: People move into the country. Those of working age add to the labour force. This increases it.
• D. Emigration: People leave the country. Working-age people who leave reduce the number of workers available. This decreases the labour force and does not increase it.

Answer

The option that will NOT bring about an increase in the labour force is D. Emigration.

Tip

Think "In = increase, Out = decrease". Immigration means people come in, so the labour force grows. Emigration means people go out, so it shrinks. In JAMB Economics, "NOT" questions are easiest if you test each option and eliminate the ones that clearly cause an increase.