Where are all the unemployed?

[WolfeTone]

We are below average, and well down the league table, due to the high level of joblessness in Ireland.

This is a false conclusion. Firstly, in the Eurozone area, we are above average. Only 0.1% below EU 28 average.
All of these tables are a snapshot in time. Fig 2.10 provides better detail. It is clear, that since 2012 more and more people are returning to work.

 

[WolfeTone]

The situation has thankfully improved, we are no longer above the EA average, but we are still above the EU average.

Would you agree then that assumptions about more people wanting to put their feet up expecting the State to look after them is a false assumption?

Instead, structural issues such as - high childcare costs, long commutes, unaffordable accommodation, are more likely the causes of preventing people returning to work.

Table 2.17 The Long-term Unemployment rate is well below the EU average.

 

[Protocol]

This is a false conclusion. Firstly, in the Eurozone area, we are above average. Only 0.1% below EU 28 average.
All of these tables are a snapshot in time. Fig 2.10 provides better detail. It is clear, that since 2012 more and more people are returning to work.

Yes, more people are in employment, which is great.

But it's important to note that although:

(1) employment has risen a lot
(2) unemployment has fallen a lot

...the employment rates are not high.

Yes, employment rates are about the EU average, yes, but there are 15 countries approx with higher employment rates.

Now, this may not be a bad thing...............if it's a reflection of us wanting more people cared for at home (children/disabled adults/some elderly), and not cared for formally.

Our caring preferences may lead to structural underlying differences in employment rates?

 

[Protocol]

Would you agree then that assumptions about more people wanting to put their feet up expecting the State to look after them is a false assumption?

Instead, structural issues such as - high childcare costs, long commutes, unaffordable accommodation, are more likely the causes of preventing people returning to work.

Table 2.17 The Long-term Unemployment rate is well below the EU average.

This is not a false assumption, as there are people in Ireland who do exactly as you describe.

Yes, those structural issue, i.e. the design of the welfare state, cause people to rationally refuse work, or refuse extra work.

The question is how do we re-design the welfare state?

 

[Protocol]

Table 2.17 The Long-term Unemployment rate is well below the EU average.

Remember, although unemployment is low, joblessness is high.

Many of the working-age adults on long-term welfare are not unemployed.

 

[WolfeTone]

Our caring preferences may lead to structural underlying differences in employment rates?

Yes, quite possibly so.

 

[WolfeTone]

This is not a false assumption, as there are people in Ireland who do exactly as you describe.

I didn't say there are not. Im saying its wrong to assume that more people are putting their feet up when in fact more people are returning to work.
Any structural deficits in the welfare system need to be tackled. Rational refusals to take up employment (eg childcare and commuting costs outweigh benefit of returning to work) is not a case of people choosing welfare over employment.
Extreme example - a couple living in Cork with two kids, one partner works low wage in restaurant, the partner gets offered a job in Galway - it is rational that the position is refused if the terms incur costs over and above benefits.