Demographic change, older workers and the 'new' labour market in Scotland

Over the next thirty years, the UK's population will age markedly (ONS, 2000). Importantly for Scottish policymakers, demographic change will be more marked in Scotland than other parts of the UK. For example, the number of children aged under 16 is projected to fall to 85 percent of its 1998 level, while Scots aged between 24-34 are forecast to decline by 20-25 percent over the next 20. The key aim of this paper is to identify the key implications of demographic changes taking place in Scotland over the next 20 to 30 years, with particular reference to the issues surrounding population ageing and the role of older workers.