ledighet

Ledighet is the state of lacking paid employment while available for work and actively seeking it. The term is used in Nordic statistics to describe unemployment and is measured as the unemployment rate, the number of unemployed divided by the labor force (employed plus unemployed). National statistical agencies collect data, and figures are used in European comparisons.

Unemployment arises from cyclical downturns as well as structural factors such as skill mismatch and automation. Youth often experience higher rates due to inexperience and transitions from education to work. Long-term unemployment (typically lasting more than a year) increases risks to earnings potential and social inclusion.

Impacts include reduced income, risk of poverty, strained family finances, and potential mental health effects. For the economy, unemployment means lost output and lower tax receipts, with higher social spending.

Policy responses mix passive measures (unemployment benefits, social assistance) with active programs (vocational training, wage subsidies, job placement, and employer incentives). In Nordic countries, these are part of a broad welfare framework aimed at maintaining skills and reducing long unemployment durations.

Data and trends vary by country and region. Agencies such as Statistics Norway, Statistics Sweden, and other labor administrations publish monthly or quarterly indicators, including unemployment rates, duration, youth rates, and inactivity.