Unemployment refers to the situation in which individuals who are capable of working, are actively seeking work, but are unable to find any employment. It is typically measured as a percentage of the total labor force and includes those who are jobless, actively looking for work, and available to take a job. There are several types of unemployment, including:
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Frictional Unemployment: Short-term unemployment that occurs when people are between jobs or entering the workforce for the first time.
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Structural Unemployment: Occurs when there is a mismatch between the skills of the workforce and the demands of the job market, often due to technological changes or shifts in the economy.
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Cyclical Unemployment: Resulting from economic downturns or recessions, when demand for goods and services decreases and businesses lay off workers.
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Seasonal Unemployment: Occurs when people are unemployed at certain times of the year when demand for labor is lower, such as agricultural workers after harvest.
Unemployment can have significant economic and social implications, affecting individuals, families, and communities, as well as overall economic growth. Policymakers often track unemployment rates as a key indicator of economic health and may implement various strategies to reduce unemployment and stimulate job growth.