Unemployment

We say that unemployment exists where people capable and willing to work are unable to find suitable paid job. But where an economy is adapting to “changing conditions”, there will always be some persons unemployed as they change jobs or as seasonal work comes to an end.

Unemployment may occur for many different reasons. There will always be people changing jobs. In certain occupations, e.g. unskilled labour in the construction industry, workers are not employed regularly by one employer. When a contract is completed labour is not required.

Employment in some industries, e.g. building, fruitpicking is seasonal in character. Seasonal employment can be reduced out of “season” and admit such persons as students and housewives during the busy period. Sometimes there are unemployed workers of particular occupation in one part of the country but a shortage of the same type of work in other parts.

Workers may be in “between jobs”. Some of them are looking for their first jobs, others are seeking better salaries. Young people search for their first jobs. This is called frictional unemployment. This type is usually short-term and regarded as inevitable.

Unemployment may also be caused by important changes in the structure of consumer demand and in technology. As a result some workers find that their skills and experience are unwanted by these changes. This type of unemployment is more long-term and regarded as more serious. It is known as structural unemployment.

Notes

to adapt - приспосабливаться out of season – с окончанием сезона

to occur – происходить inevitable- неизбежный