The development of industrial employment in the Northern division of the Wakefield Metropolitan district since 1961

Abstract

This thesis presents a detailed study of the development of manufacturing, warehousing and coalmining in the Northern Division, In order to fit this study into its proper perspective the national and regional trends in employment and in the location of industry are analysed. The coalmining industry is dealt with independently. The limited material available was obtained through informal interviews and correspondence with the N,C,B, After a preliminary survey of the area it was decided to carryout a thorough investigation by means of a questionnaire utilized during personal interviewing. Aggregate statistics from various sources are combined with the questionnaire survey of firms to study the changes in manufacturing and warehouse units. The method by which information was gathered from firms is discussed. The findings of this work suggest that Regional policy had little or no impact on the location of manufacturing industry in this area. The area has attracted warehouse units, due in no small measure to the road networks. The feasibility of the engineering industry receiving new impetus from the demands of the coal industry for ever more modern technological developments and the possibility of an increase in population employment in the services are also considered. The current picture of manufacturing industry and warehouse units and projections for the future are discussed in this work.