Size of Labour Force and Working Population

Readers Question: why is there a difference between the size of the population of working age and the size of the workforce?

The population of working age is everyone between 18-65.
The workforce is everyone either in work or actively seeking work.
The workforce excludes some groups of people who have voluntarily or involuntarily left the labour market (labour force). This includes:

• People on disability allowance (unable to work)
• People on sickness benefits (unable to work)
• Women having children on maternity leave
• Fathers on paternity leave.
• People demotivated by years of unemployment and so no longer seek work.
• People who have taken early retirement
• Adults in full time education