Labour force simply means the

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the simple definition of "labour force" in Economics.

Step 2: Explain the concept The labour force (also called the working population or economically active population) is the part of a country's population that is able and willing to work. It includes:

• People who are already employed (including the self-employed)
• People who are unemployed but actively looking for work

It excludes:

• Children below the legal working age
• The aged or retired
• Full-time students
• The sick or disabled who cannot work
• Housewives or househusbands not seeking paid work
• Those who are not willing to work

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Demand and supply of labour: This describes the labour market, not the labour force.
• B. Efficiency of labour: This is labour productivity, which is a different concept.
• C. Job seekers: These are only part of the labour force (the unemployed part). Those already employed are left out.
• D. Unemployable population: This is the opposite of the labour force, since these people are unable to work.
• E. Working population: The people who are able and willing to work, whether employed or seeking work. This matches the standard definition.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is E, working population.

Exam tip: Remember the formula Labour force = Employed + Unemployed (but seeking work). In NECO and WASSCE, "labour force", "working population" and "economically active population" are used as synonyms. Don't confuse the labour force with the total population, which also includes those outside the working age group.