Occupational mobility of labour is the ease with which workers can change from one job, industry, or occupation to another. This often requires the worker to learn new skills through retraining.

High occupational mobility provides several benefits:

• Workers can move from industries that are shrinking to those that are growing.
• It helps the workforce adapt to technological change and shifts in market demand.
• It allows individuals to find jobs that are a better match for their personal skills and interests.

Factors that influence how easily workers can change jobs include:

• Education and training: Having flexible or transferable skills makes it easier to change careers.
• Age: Generally, younger workers may find it easier to learn new skills or retrain.
• Information: Access to clear information about job vacancies in other sectors is essential.

When occupational mobility is low, it can lead to structural unemployment. This happens when industries disappear faster than the people working in them can learn the new skills needed for other jobs.