Introduction to Unemployment in the UK Labour Market

The video explores the concept of unemployment within the UK labour market, discussing its economic impact, the definition of the labour force, and the components of employment and unemployment. It covers methods for measuring unemployment, regional and long-term trends, and the effects of industrial change on the labour force. The video aims to provide a foundational understanding of these concepts for further analysis.

Why is employment considered crucial for economic activity?

• It increases government spending.

• It reduces the need for imports.

• It decreases the population size.

• It generates disposable income and tax revenue.

What are the two main components of the labor force?

• Retired and students

• Unemployed and students

• Employed and unemployed individuals

• Employed and retired individuals

Who are considered economically active?

• Only those who are retired

• Only those who are employed

• Only those who are unemployed

• Both employed and unemployed individuals willing to work

What is a characteristic of the gig economy?

• It offers traditional employment benefits.

• It involves self-employment through platforms like apps.

• It guarantees full-time employment.

• It is limited to government jobs.

How is unemployment measured according to international standards?

• By the number of people in part-time jobs

• By those actively seeking work or waiting to start a job

• By the number of people without a job for over a year

• By counting the number of job advertisements

What is cyclical unemployment?

• Unemployment due to seasonal changes

• Unemployment that moves with the business cycle

• Unemployment caused by personal choice

• Unemployment due to technological advancements

Which region had a higher unemployment rate than the national average in 2018?

• South East

• West Midlands

• East of England

• North East

What can cause the labor force size to increase?

• Retirement

• Immigration

• Health issues

• Career breaks

What is a potential consequence of long-term unemployment?

• Demotivation and discouragement

• Higher disposable income

• Increased motivation to find work

• Immediate re-employment

What shift has occurred in the UK labor market over the past 170 years?

• From construction to fisheries

• From manufacturing to services

• From agriculture to energy

• From services to manufacturing