Greater Manchester Socio-Economic Status Activity Levels Nov 17-18

To some, this may not be surprising. However, at GreaterSport, we want to encourage equality in activity levels across everyone in our region.

Across the UK, 33.2% of the lowest socio-economic status groups are inactive, compared to 16.2% of the higher. Therefore, not only does a socio-economic inactivity difference exist in Greater Manchester, the levels are higher than the national results.

The statistics are concerning. We can change them, but we know we need your help.

How is socio-economic status defined?

The National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (NS SEC) defines groups according to an occupation code and an employment status. The categories range from one to eight.

Status one covers those who are larger employers, or in higher managerial or professional occupation. Category eight includes the long-term unemployed, or those who have never worked.

In Greater Manchester, 34.2% of the population are classified within NS SEC 6-8: equivalent to 674,000 people. This figures compares to 30.6% considered NS SEC 6-8 nationwide.

How does socio-economic status change across our boroughs?

Greater Manchester’s wards vary widely in NS SEC status. Yet they also reveal significant differences in their inactivity levels. Inactivity ranges from 24.7% in Oldham to 14.3% in Trafford: both NS SEC 1-2. Across NS SEC 6-8 boroughs, the inactivity gap is even wider: 42% in Manchester to 24.3% in Salford.

Such broadly-ranging inactivity levels are a great concern.

Across NS SEC 1-2, seven local authorities have reported an inactivity decrease (by -10.1% in Wigan). However, levels have increased in Oldham (8.2%) and Stockport (5.7%). In four NS SEC 6-8 local authorities, inactivity has decreased (by -19.2% in Salford). But inactivity level increases are reported in four other NS SEC 6-8 local authorities (a troubling 10% in Bury).

Further results show inactivity levels for women are higher than men across both NS SEC 1-2 and NS SEC 6-8 boroughs of Greater Manchester. In NS SEC 6-8 areas, inactivity is higher than national figures for 16-54 year olds. More information is needed, including data across the ethnic groups within our classified boroughs. However, it’s clear to see changes must be made. 

How can we work together?

Our statistics are troubling. The inactivity levels across Greater Manchester’s socio-economic groups vary widely. And they’re worryingly lower than national results.

At GreaterSport, we know that people of any occupation or employment status need their own ways to increase their activity. But to show them how, we need your support.

It’s time to get all our socio-economic status groups on the move. Find out how you can help us.