Productivity in Dorset businesses is improving, along with the number of new business ventures – but educational qualifications at a higher level are falling.

The figures, being presented to Dorset councillors next week, (July 26th), suggest that the county is doing relatively well, compared to most of the country – although productivity measures are below the national average and have been for several years.

Part of the reason, according to the report, could be the type of local job opportunities and reliance on sectors such as tourism. Another reason may also be lifestyle choice – that some people now want to work part-time or be self-employed.

Figures for start-up businesses per 10,000 population show a increase from 81.6 to 81.9 over the course of a year, although one explanation for this could be that a fall in employed work in some sectors has led people into becoming their own boss.

One of the biggest percentage changes is in the number of people educated to level 4 (HNC), or above. This has fallen from 35.9% in 2016 to 32.7% in 2017, worse than the South West figure of 37.8%.

The report says that: “Raising skill levels in the workforce would help reduce skill shortage vacancies, especially for skilled trade occupations. Ageing of the workforce means employers need to upskill their workforces for succession planning. Higher skill levels give workers the opportunity to apply for better jobs, have greater job satisfaction and enhances well-being. The availability of a higher skilled labour pool will attract new employers and investment thus raising the quality of jobs and productivity.”