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The Labour Market

The supply of labour and what shifts it

  • 3 things to know
  • All three components

Overview

Supply of labour, shape of a backward bending individual labour supply curve and movement along and a shift in the labour supply curve.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What does the supply of labour mean?

Key term

Why does the market supply curve of labour slope upward?

Key term

Name three influences on the supply of labour to an occupation.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What does the supply of labour mean?

    Model answer

    The supply of labour is the number of hours workers are willing to offer at each wage rate. Market supply is the total offered by all workers in an occupation.

  2. 2

    Why does the market supply curve of labour slope upward?

    Model answer

    A higher wage rewards work more generously relative to leisure, so more people choose to work. Workers also transfer into the occupation from other jobs.

  3. 3

    Name three influences on the supply of labour to an occupation.

    Model answer

    The supply of labour depends on the size of the working population and on the qualifications required. Non-monetary rewards such as job satisfaction form a third influence.

  4. 4

    How does an increase in the working age population affect labour supply?

    Model answer

    A larger working age population increases the number of people available for work. The supply curve of labour shifts right and the equilibrium wage tends to fall.

  5. 5

    What is the substitution effect of a wage rise on an individual's supply of labour?

    Model answer

    A wage rise raises the opportunity cost of an hour of leisure. Workers substitute towards work and supply more hours.

  6. 6

    What is the income effect of a wage rise on an individual's supply of labour?

    Model answer

    A wage rise allows the same income to be earned in fewer hours. Workers may take part of the gain as leisure and supply fewer hours.

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