The U’s of Economics
U1: People unemployed 15 weeks or longer. “The long-term unemployed tend to be people who 1) are a little bit older, and 2) got laid off from their last job.” (www.theatlantic.com). They may also be discriminated against. A man just released from prison who has tattoos on his face. He hasn’t had a proper job since 1997. He lives in Rhode Island.
U2: Lost a job as opposed to those who have quit or those who have entered or reentered the labor force. This category consists of temporary workers such as farm workers, retail workers and grant funded positions. Bill is a farmer. Farming is a job the goes with the seasons. So it’s quite difficult for Bill to maintain himself working when the farming season is over.
U3: Those who fall between the cracks of the official rate. U1 and U2 are included. The people included in this category are not worried because they have an education and they are confident in receiving another job if something occurs. Jake worked at Bath and Body workshop but has been fired. He searched for quite some time and has been re-employed at Vans.
U4: Add discouraged workers to the official unemployment rate. Workers with high standards and high expectations. This category includes those who have stopped looking for work because current economic conditions make them believe that no work is available for them. Due to cutting back on the business spending, Donna has been laid off from her job as a secretary for a small lawyer business. She submitted job applications in a few small offices but hasn’t heard back.
U5: Includes all marginally attached workers also known as flexible workers. This also includes those who would like and are able to work but have not looked recently. Due to an accident that left Hanna with a broken leg, she had to let go of her job as a mail carrier. So she looked for another job. She is currently on a waiting list for an office job answering phones. This may or may not be a stable job as she was not given a permanent schedule.
U6: Is the most all- inclusive measure of unemployment and includes all of the above plus those who are employed part-time because of economic reasons. Workers who are under utilized are included here. Part time workers. Liz has a part-time job down at the deli. She has a unstable schedule due to the businesses economic status and the rest of the town so she must embrace it.
