Anyone have a really big Xacto knife?

[The Don]

Unemployment rates are quite difficult to calculate on the grounds that there are many definitions of unemployed. In the UK the "official" unemployment rate for years was calculated based on the number of people who were out of work and claiming unemployment. Recently, a (higher) poll based figure is being used where the number of people who fit the first category plus those who are actively seeking work but not claiming benefit. This significantly increases the unemployment rate.

The second approach misses those who are functionally unemployed but who have either retired early or have signed onto disability benefits and have given up on working (even though they are capable of work).

I think that most developed countries use the second, poll based, definition.

 

[aerocontrols]

Harry, Harry, Harry...Don't be a SoreLoserman. Think of this way. Just like when Vladimir Lenin called American liberals "useful idiots", we "non-religious republicans" call the religious right the exact same thing. LOL!

It's "Soros" Loserman this time, easycruise.


Also, Harry - would a very large Approximoknife work?

 

[BPSCG]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Anyone have a really big Xacto knife?

Considering the monumental economic task Germany took upon itself with the reunification, I would say that an unemployment of only 10.5% is very impressive.

Um, reunification happened, what, fifteen years ago? That seems to be a pretty long time to be blaming the East Gemans. And besides, it was only 7.5% in 1992; what seems to be the problem?

 

[Leif Roar]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Anyone have a really big Xacto knife?

Um, reunification happened, what, fifteen years ago? That seems to be a pretty long time to be blaming the East Gemans.

Yes, and Germany is still dealing with the after effects - that says something about the size of the task. From the CIA World Factbook: "The modernization and integration of the eastern German economy continues to be a costly long-term process, with annual transfers from west to east amounting to roughly $70 billion."

$70 billion is almost 6% of Germany's total yearly government expenditure.

And besides, it was only 7.5% in 1992; what seems to be the problem?

I don't know, I'm not an economist nor do I play one on Usenet. I merely wanted to point out that Germany made a poor comparison, because of their unique economic challenges.