Is relocation redundant? Observations on the changing nature and impacts of employment-related geographical mobility in the UK

Geographical mobility has important implications for policy across a range of different domains. This paper sets out a conceptual framework for distinguishing between different types of geographical mobility and reviews the changing nature and impacts of different types of employment-related geographical mobility in the UK. Theoretical perspectives on employers' and individuals' rationales for relocation are outlined and in the context of labour market and family changes the paper addresses the question: 'Is relocation redundant?' Case study evidence is used to foreground key issues and to provide pointers to emerging trends in employment-related geographical mobility. It is concluded that while relocation is declining in importance relative to other types of employment-related geographical mobility, it is not redundant.