AKUledighet

AKUledighet refers to unemployment as measured by the Norwegian Labour Force Survey (Arbeidskraftundersøkelsen, AKU), conducted by Statistics Norway (Statistisk sentralbyrå, SSB). The AKU provides quarterly estimates of the labor market status of people aged 15–74 in Norway and yields the unemployment rate commonly labeled AKU-ledighet.

Under the ILO definition used by AKU, unemployed are individuals who are without work, currently available for work, and have actively sought work during the previous four weeks, or are temporarily laid off with an expectation of returning to their job. The AKU classifies people as employed, unemployed, or not in the labor force based on these criteria.

Measurement is based on a representative household sample and produces both unadjusted and seasonally adjusted series. The AKU-ledighet rate is calculated as the number of unemployed divided by the labor force (the sum of employed and unemployed). Results are published quarterly and used for short- and medium-term analysis of the Norwegian labor market.

AKUledighet is distinct from registered unemployment, which is based on registrations with the public employment service and benefit eligibility. Differences between the measures can arise from methodology, coverage, and administrative factors; the AKU provides a broader view of those actively seeking work who may not be registered for benefits.

Limitations include sampling error, non-response, and revisions as new data become available. AKU-ledighet is used by government agencies, researchers, and international bodies to assess labor market conditions, monitor policy effects, and enable international comparisons under ILO standards.