A comparison of Tables 1 and 2 shows that although the unemployment rates for Canada in 1979 and 1988 are about the same, the level of participation in the labour force is higher in 1988 for the country as a whole. Also apparent are the improved levels of educational attainment among the general population. The picture for the least educated group, however, is bleaker. In 1988, the participation rate is lower and the level of unemployment is higher than in 1979. Although the absolute numbers in this cohort have declined, there are still about 1 in 6 persons in Canada in this least educated group. Their prospects for the future are not good.

The statistics for British Columbia reveal some interesting situations. While the participation and unemployment rates for the province as a whole in 1979 are about on a par with the overall national rates, the province has a lower participation rate and a considerably higher unemployment rate in 1988, reflecting how the mainly resource-dependent province has been adversely affected by the prevailing economic conditions. In 1979, the rates of participation are markedly below the national averages for the 0 - 8 years cohort and the university degree cohort. And, the provincial unemployment rate for those with a university degree is considerably higher than the national average. In 1988, the participation rates for an cohorts in the province are markedly lower than national averages and the unemployment rates are considerably higher for all cohorts in the province, but especially for the least educated group. This group represents 1 in 9 persons in the province and Table 3 shows the relative position of this group vis-à-vis national averages. Overall, the statistics clearly show the advantage of education in terms of higher labour force participation rates and lower unemployment rates. The least educated persons are the most disadvantaged - their chances of participating in the labour force are fewer and if they do participate they are more vulnerable to unemployment. Predictions point to a worsening scenario for this group. (See also Thomas 1989b.)

The Workforce 2000 study of the Hudson Institute (1987) predicts that more than half of the jobs created in the U.S.A. between now and the year 2000 will require education beyond the high school level and that one-third will be filled by college graduates. Higher levels in language, mathematics and reasoning skills will be required and many jobs in the least-skilled areas will disappear. Thus, the already disadvantaged in the labour market will face more difficult challenges as they are under-represented in the fastest growing occupations (information and service industries) and over-represented in the declining occupational categories. The same trends are already affecting Canada. Furthermore, as jobs become scarce, employers are demanding higher levels of education for many of the jobs traditionally filled by people with the least education. The demand for improved credentials is a screening device which excludes those older workers with either the experience in or the capacity to do this type of work.