Region. 50 per cent not engaged

Despite growing wealth in the region, there is continuing social disadvantage and disparity in Western Sydney, which represents a loss of opportunity and productivity. The combined effects of lower workforce participation rates, higher rates of unemployment and higher levels of part-time work mean that as much as 50 per cent of Western Sydney’s potential workforce is not engaged in effective work. This represents a significant untapped resource, said a WSROC Future Directions report.