Using the ONS National Statistics socio-economic classification system, the highest proportion of the Shropshire working age population is lower managerial, administrative and professional occupations, with semi-routine occupations, routine occupations and small employers and own account workers also accounting for more than a tenth of the population.

Compared to the national average, Shropshire supports a significant number classified as small employers and own-account workers, and ranks in the top 15% of local authorities in this respect.

Since the census in 2001, there has been significant growth in the number of people classified as never having worked, and also in the number who are long-term unemployed.

For more information, take a look at the "socio-economic" census digest.