The latest population statistics have shown that the UK's younger population is increasingly mobile, with many of those in the 25-34 year old age group frequently moving around the country and away from their home counties.

This trend has caused concern among senior figures in the NHS, who warn that the fall in the younger population could result in a lack of workers for domiciliary care jobs for the elderly even as younger people are unable to move back home to help care for elderly relatives.

One example is Lincolnshire, where figures reveal that every age group has expanded significantly since 1996 - except 25-34 year olds. In particular the number of 55 to 64 year olds has risen by 50% over the last 14 years, as has the number of those 75 and over (40%).

Meanwhile the number of 25-34 year olds has dropped from 83,207 in 1996 to 80,532. As this is the age group traditionally targeted for positions such as residential support worker jobs, concerns have been raised over how care can be provided for the elderly if such trends continue.

One possible reason for this trend has been proposed by Dr Robert Wilson of NHS Lincolnshire. He believes that the rising popularity of universities and the concentration of graduate opportunities in certain areas of the country has caused many to leave areas such as Lincoln.

"It means we are trying to recruit from a diminishing pool of people to provide services delivered by nurses, therapists and healthcare assistants," he said in conversation with the Lincolnshire Echo. "It is a challenge."