© Marcel Crozet/ ILO
© Marcel Crozet/ ILO
  • Data, Resources

Statistics on unemployment and labour underutilization

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Introduction

The unemployment rate is probably the best-known labour market measure and is certainly one of the most widely quoted by the media. The unemployment rate is a useful measure of the underutilization of the labour supply. It reflects the inability of an economy to generate employment for those persons who want to work but are not doing so, even though they are available for employment and actively seeking work.

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Other measures of labour underutilization recognized in the international statistical standards are time-related underemployment and the potential labour force.

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Methods

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ILO Modelled Estimates (ILOEST database)

Discover the methods behind the ILO’s modelled estimates on labour force statistics (including the working poor), labour productivity, wage growth and labour migration.

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ILOSTAT

  • The leading source of labour statistics
The ILO Department of Statistics is the focal point to the United Nations on labour statistics. We develop international standards for better measurement of labour issues and enhanced international comparability; provide relevant, timely and comparable labour statistics; and help Member States develop and improve their labour statistics.
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