Population and employment in Orkney
The total population of Orkney in 2001 was 19,245. Approximately 80% of the population lives on the Orkney mainland with 20% on the other islands. Orkney enjoys a very high economic activity rate (the proportion of the population which is involved in employment or self-employment). In Orkney this rate is 88.9%, which is higher than any other Scottish local authority area. The largest employer in Orkney is the public administration, education and health sector, accounting for 2,400 full and part-time jobs. Next is the hotels, catering and distribution sector, providing 2,100 full and part-time jobs. Other industries provide the following employment (full and part-time jobs):
Total employed - 8,100 The above figures however do not include the self-employed. The 1991 census estimated that self-employment accounted for 24% of the workforce, concentrated in agriculture, fishing and construction. Source: Annual Business Inquiry 2002, Orkney Economic Review (Orkney Islands Council)
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