Around 65% of Mendip residents are in full-time work, new data shows.

The data release also shows the types of jobs Mendip residents have, as well as the number of students and retirees in the district.

The data, supplied by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), shows economic activity and work patterns across the UK, taken from the March 2021 Census. At the time, a 'stay at home' rule was in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jon Wroth-Smith, census deputy director, said the figures reflect the nation's labour market during an "unparalleled and rapid change" period.

Office for National Statistics data also shows that 58% of residents aged 16 and older in Mendip were economically active and employed when the census took place last year – slightly above England's overall rate of 57%. A further 2% were financially active but in search of work.

Of the 40% who were economically inactive, the highest proportion (67%) were not working because they were retirees.

The most significant proportion of those working and aged 16 and older in Mendip were employed in the education sector (11%) and retail (11%).

About 65% worked full-time for more than 30 hours a week, including 13% who worked 49 hours or more.

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The figures also show how people travelled to work, with the highest proportion in Mendip stating they drive a car or van (52%) followed by those who said they work mainly from home (31%).

Talking about the statistics for England and Wales, Mr Wroth Smith said: "The data shows there was an increase in home working from 10% in 2011 to 31% in 2021 but, of course, the Government advised people to stay at home and only attend work if you had no alternative at that time."

He added that despite removing Covid travel restrictions, there is a "new normal" after the pandemic where hybrid and home workings remain commonplace.

"The truth is, the world is always changing, and more timely data than a census provides is needed," he said.