UK unemployment rates since 1881. This shows the fluctuations in unemployment over the past 100 years in the UK. Measuring unemployment is not a precise science. This data mostly relies on administrative statistics on the number claiming some kind of unemployment insurance. The government is changing how unemployment is measured. You can view the pdf …
During the Great Depression, US unemployment rate rose from virtually 0% in 1929 to a peak of 25.6% in May 1933. This was the equivalent of 15 million people unemployed. Though this unemployment rate also excluded those on reduced hours or migrants/women not eligible to officially sign on for benefits. The unemployment caused serious economic …
Despite weak economic growth of the past decade, UK unemployment has fallen quicker than we might expect. It appears the natural rate of unemployment has fallen and despite record employment levels, wage pressures remain muted. Different reasons for this fall in unemployment include – low productivity, more flexible labour markets, disguised unemployment (underemployment) and growth …
Geographical unemployment occurs when people are without work because of immobilities in firms and workers moving to/from depressed regions. For example, London may have a booming job market with vacancies, however, an unemployed man in south Wales may be unable to take the job because of difficulties in moving to London. Alternatively, a firm may …
A look at the economics reasons for high youth unemployment (16-25) in many western economies. In the UK, youth unemployment has averaged higher than the main unemployment rate. This is is a similar situation to the US and European economies. The reasons for youth unemployment include Lack of qualifications. Young people without any skills are …
Readers Question: To what extent do the official UK figures for unemployment accurately reflect economic reality? The unemployment rate measures those who are officially seeking work but unable to find employment. However, the official unemployment rate does not include those who are not working and are classed as economically inactive. For example, economically inactive can …
Definition: Structural unemployment is caused by a mismatch of skills between the unemployed and available jobs. Structural unemployed is caused by changes in the economy, such as deindustrialisation, which leaves some unemployed workers unable to find work in new industries with different skill requirements. Structural unemployment occurs even during periods of strong economic growth. It …
Definition: The natural rate of unemployment is the rate of unemployment when the labour market is in equilibrium. It is unemployment caused by structural (supply-side) factors. (e.g. mismatched skills) Diagram showing the natural rate of unemployment The natural rate of unemployment is the difference between those who would like a job at the current wage …