Page 23 - Regional Employment & Skills Plan

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b) Demographic challenges
Within the region there are a significant number of demographic challenges with rural areas being more likely to have issues regarding an ageing population. This includes a higher proportion of over 65s than the urban averages which affects both the demands on local services as well as the proportion of working age residents who can form the workforce. This demographic imbalance creates significant challenges both in creating a critical mass required for economically viable delivery of interventions but also a requirement for the re-skilling of older individuals.
c) Effects of migrant labour on the rural economy
The rural economy consists of a number of sectors where there is currently a fairly high reliance on the usage of migrant labour, particularly from the EU. These sectors include food production and processing, hospitality and tourism as well as the Health and Social Care sector.
d) Access to services
Rurality and in particular deep rurality places significant pressures on the delivery of services due to a number of different factors which include;
• Lower population densities make achieving relative economies of scale difficult, this can include a low number of clients for services to support, making costs expensive for delivery bodies as well as limiting the potential engagement opportunities.
• Large travel distances between conurbations increases time and cost for accessing services, this can hinder the skills development of individuals within rural areas who may encounter these barriers.
• Poor digital connectivity remains a challenge due to the cost of installing fibre broadband, issues with ‘the last mile of connectivity’ remain a significant challenge for many in rural areas.
2.12 Gender Equality and Imbalances
There is significant evidence to suggest that women and men do not enjoy the same rights and opportunities across all sectors of society. For Wales this is especially prevalent within the labour market and economy where there is not an equal representation of men and women across a range of roles, sectors and subject areas.
Women are underrepresented within a number of the WG’s priority sectors, as detailed in the table overleaf;
Regional Employment & Skills Plan South West & Mid Wales Policy Context