Economic activity
The latest data on qualifications and employment is from the 2011 Census.
Qualifications
The latest data about qualifications is from the 2011 census. There is a distinct difference across the borough when qualifications are mapped against ward areas
1:
- There is a significant increase in the number of people with no qualifications since 2007 and the number of people with no qualifications is significantly greater towards the east of Merton .
- Conversely the number of people with NVQ Level 4 or above qualifications is concentrated in the West in almost a mirror image of the distribution of people with no qualifications
- An increasing number of school leavers and an increase in the number of job seekers in Merton requires a coordinated approach to improving pathways into work.
Employment
- Merton residents who are in active full-time employment are distributed all over Merton, with no discernible pattern except a slightly greater concentration towards the central and southern parts of Merton.
- Those who are unemployed are distinctly concentrated towards the eastern parts of Merton.
- Those who are self-employed are distinctly concentrated toward the western parts of the borough.
Merton distribution of the population in full-time employment, part-time employment, self-employed and unemployed
1
The National Statistics Socio-economic classification
According to the national statistics socio-economic classification (NS-SeC) 40% of Merton’s population are categorised in managerial, administrative and professional occupations.
Political governance
At the 2014 local elections 41% of people in Merton participated in voting. Labour has the political control in the council with 60% of votes followed by 33% of votes for Conservatives. The proportion of Conservative and Labour seats won in the 2014 election is similar to that of London.2
1.ab 2011 Census Open Atlas Project, Available: http://www.alex-singleton.com/r/2013/02/05/2011-census-open-atlas-project/
2.^ GLA Intelligence, Borough Profiles
