The True Measure of Unemployment Should Be

[Yavin4]

the following:

(1) Those working less than 25 hours per week, and want more hours but cannot get them.
(2) For those working less than 25 hours per week, they cannot be making more than 125% of the poverty level for their family size.
(3) Those actively looking for work.


You can make adjustments on item 2, but that's how it should be calculated.

The current household survey is a joke. Someone could have worked 4 hours in the past 4 weeks, and they would be considered employed.

Number 3 is a little controversial, but you cannot count people who go back to school full time or become the full time stay at home parent.

[handmade34]

1. really must factor in

all those that really want a job but have given up looking due to extreme despondency

[droidamus2]

2. Another point

I am currently working as a temp on the production line at a local ice cream makers. My chosen field is IT and my qualifications include a BS degree in computer science and 15+ years experience. I have been away from the field for 7 years so I am fully aware that I will have to take an entry level position and work my way back up but I am still interested in working in the IT business. I am an example of somebody that fits in your <25 hours per week but also even if I was employed full time it is in a job that I have no interest in other than the paycheck and would never allow me to make what I could in my chosen field or for that matter to pay my current level of bills. Yes, this is different from somebody that was making a lot of money in an industry that is in decline or that doesn't exist anymore and has to change to a new field. I would call this mis-employed, skilled enough to fill available positions but forced to work at a lower paying position just to bring in money to the household. I guess I could be covered under #3 in that though I am currently working at a low paying, low hours job I am still looking for a good full time job.

[Yavin4]

3. Really Cannot Count People Who Are Working >25 Hours But Not In Their Preferred Field

There's nothing that can be done about that.