Regional Studies
Volume 38, Issue 2, 2004, Pages 121-136

Employment location and associated commuting patterns for individuals in disadvantaged rural areas in Northern Ireland [La localisation de l'emploi et la distribution des migrations quotidiennes associées des habitants des zones rurales défavorisées en Irlande du Nord] (Article)

Moss J.E.* , Jack C.G. , Wallace M.T.
  • a Dept. of Agricultural/Food Economics, Agriculture and Food Science Center, Queen's University Belfast, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, United Kingdom
  • b Dept. of Agricultural/Food Economics, Agriculture and Food Science Center, Queen's University Belfast, Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, United Kingdom
  • c Dept. Agribusiness Exten./Rural Dvmt, University College, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland

Abstract

This paper investigates the employment commuting patterns of individuals living disadvantaged rural areas of Northern Ireland. A survey of rural households is conducted and the data used to map the commuting patterns of individuals in employment. The analysis identifies key explanatory variables relating to observed commuting distances. These variable highlight particular constraints on employment locational choices available to rural households. The results identify a distinct interaction between rural and urban given the concentration of employment in regional and/or larger urban centres. For females, local employment tends to focus on the nearest regional town, with a heavy reliance upon public sector jobs, particularly in the areas of education and health. Male employment is concentrated in declining traditional industries and rural males travel lengthy distances to work. Mobility is undoubtedly a crucial aspect of accessing and retaining employment for working rural dwellers. From a rural development policy perspective, measures designed to enhance the mobility of rural dwellers are therefore a priority. © 2004 Regional Studies Association.

Author Keywords

Local labour markets Commuting patterns Rural dwellers Employment location

Index Keywords

Northern Ireland United Kingdom rural area Eurasia commuting Western Europe labor market Europe employment travel behavior workplace
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-2142755951&doi=10.1080%2f0034340042000190118&partnerID=40&md5=ccb32bf6292c68d33457a46bf6da5358
DOI: 10.1080/0034340042000190118
ISSN: 00343404
Cited by: 29
Original Language: French