Ledighedsrate

Ledighedsrate, or unemployment rate, is the share of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking work. It is calculated as the number of unemployed persons divided by the labor force, multiplied by 100. The labor force includes people aged typically 15 or 16 and over who are willing and able to work and are either employed or seeking work. People not in the labor force, such as retirees, students not seeking work, or those discouraged from looking, are excluded.

Measurement and data collection rely on periodic labour force surveys or administrative records. The International Labour Organization (ILO) provides international definitions, and many countries publish multiple variants, including broader concepts of underemployment. In some systems, the official rate may follow a nationally defined measure, while others report standardized indicators for international comparison. Data are usually released quarterly or monthly, often with seasonal adjustments to remove regular seasonal effects.

Interpretation and limitations: The ledighedsrate reflects both cyclical factors (economic upswings and downturns) and structural factors (demographics, education, technology). A rising rate typically signals weaker labor demand, while a falling rate indicates improvement. However, the rate does not capture underemployment, discouraged workers, or regional disparities, and methodological differences can hinder direct international comparison.

Significance: Economists and policymakers monitor the ledighedsrate as a key indicator of economic slack and labor-market health. It informs monetary and fiscal policy, social programs, and reforms aimed at job creation and training. Low unemployment is often associated with tighter labor markets and wage growth, while high rates can indicate social and economic costs.