The 2011 census results show that:

• The rate of economic activity in Shropshire was slightly higher than the England and Wales average
• The economic activity rate rose slightly over the decade, almost entirely attributable to a significant increase in the number of economically active women
• There was a sharp rise in the number of part-time employees and the number who were unemployed. Levels of self-employment also increased strongly. While the number of full-time employees also increased, growth was much lower than overall population growth amongst 16-74 year olds
• The number of students rose significantly – both those who were economically active and those who weren't
• The number of 16-74 year olds who were retired and hence economically inactive rose strongly; this classification accounted for the majority of the economically inactive population
• There was a stark reduction in the number looking after a home or family. The number of long-term sick also fell

For more information, please take a look at the "economic activity" census digest.