Unemployment
Note: The data and text for this section is sourced in whole or in part from the following report: Ministry of Social Development (2008), Children and Young People: Indicators of Wellbeing in New Zealand 2008. Wellington: Ministry of Social Development.
Definition
The number of 15 to 24 year olds in the labour force who are not employed but are actively seeking and available for paid work, expressed as a percentage of 15 to 24 year olds in the labour force.(1)
Relevance
The unemployment rate is a key indicator of labour market outcomes for young people. It is an important reflection of overall economic conditions and the ease with which young people are able to move into employment when they wish to.
Current level and trends
In 2007, 9.7 percent of young people aged 15 to 24 were unemployed.
The youth unemployment rate has almost halved since the early 1990s, but remains higher than it was in 1986 (7.9 percent).
Unemployment rate, young people aged 15 to 24, 1986-2007
Source: Statistics New Zealand, Household Labour Force Survey, December year end average.
Notes
1. The labour-force is defined as the population aged 15 years and over who are either employed or unemployed.
