Opinion

Counting the unemployed

Denny Francis
Claremont
Regarding “The Forgotten Unemployed” by Arthur Vidro in the weekend edition of the Eagle Times (July 20-21): 

Mr. Vidro has based his entire article on the false premise that only people who receive unemployment checks are counted as unemployed.

Mr. Vidro is not alone – this is a common misconception. 

Actually, the unemployment rate is determined without regard to whether or not a worker has applied for, or qualifies for unemployment benefits.

It is impossible for the government to count 100% of all the unemployed each month. This would take too long and be very costly.

 Here’s what happens: The US Census Bureau conducts what is called the “Current Population Survey” in conjunction with the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the US Dept. of Labor. The Census Bureau makes sixty thousand phone calls each month to households all across the country and questions the respondents about their labor force activities and non-labor force status. Then, through what I call the “magic” of statistical analysis, they calculate the unemployment rates. 

The “magic” is explained in more detail on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, particularly on this page: www.bls.gov/cps/cps_htgm.htm#why

under the heading “Where do the statistics come from?” 

I hope this helps.

Denny Francis

Claremont

Avatar photo

As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.