New employment program in Colombia

Colombia has a new unemployment insurance program. It follows Chile's model. This has been successful in providing liquidity to the unemployed, as well as a platform for the development of active labor policies. The main criticism is that the collective component is small compared, with, for example, Western Europe. However, the mix of individual responsibility and solidarity guarantees has advanced in Latin America, possibly because of the large size of the informal economy.

Lessons on youth unemployment

Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark are controlling youth unemployment, some lessons can be learned. Read the complete note here

Spain: more than 6.1 million unemployed

According to Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, unemployment in Spain affected 6'157,000 people in November 2012, which means that the country accounts for 32.7% of the 18.82 million of unemployed people throughout the eurozone. The national unemployment rate rises to 26.6% and recorded an increase of 3.6%. More information here.

German reforms, pre-crisis

Germany has been a resilient country during the world crisis that began in 2007. From being the Sick Man, now is the Strong Frau. That is the way Chancellor Gerhard Schröder puts it. He talks in this interview of the reforms to the social protection system that in his view have cemented the results. Germany has virtually the lowest unemployment rate sine reunification.

The Americas Social Security Report celebrates 10 years – Social Security and Labor Markets through Economic Cycles 2010

Following with the summary of 10 years of Americas Social Security Reports, this note will discuss the Americas Social Security Report 2010 – Social Security and Labor Markets through Economic Cycles. The Report studies the relationship between economic cycles and social insurance. It is based on two facts: i) social security exists precisely to deal with economic downturns; and ii) by the time the topic of the Report is decided, it was clear that many countries were in a recession that some economist forecasted to be deep and long lasting and unemployment rates had risen considerably. Thus, the Report analyzed issues such as unemployment insurance and the lack of it in many countries, the challenges faced by financially weakened national governments to face the problems of the lack of coverage, and the structural deficiencies of pension systems.

Colombia: unemployment insurance

The government of Colombia has launched an initiative to establish a new unemployment insurance program. You can find the bill here.

Decrease unemployment and informality in Mexico

According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), the unemployment rate in Mexico dropped. Decreased from 5.10 per cent of economically active population in April 2011 to 4.86 percent in April 2012. More information here.

In Europe young people are most affected by the crisis

According to the European Commission youth unemployment in Europe has soared by 50% since the financial  crisis of 2008, is rising faster than overall unemployment rates, and nearly half of young workers do not have permanent jobs. More information here.

Labor markets continue to recover in developing countries: World Bank

Report "Trends in employment" by the World Bank notes that despite sluggish growth, labor markets in developing countries continue their gradual recovery. Eastern Europe and Central Asia observe overall improvements in GDP, unemployment and employment figures, while in Latin America and the Caribbean, small average gains in growth and unemployment were balanced by stagnant employment growth.

The labor market continues to improve in the U.S.

On a previous note we refer to evidence showing a recovery in U.S. employment. Today the labor market extends its run showing for third consecutive month gains over 200,000 jobs. More infromation here.

The ILO warns of the risk of a lost generation

The International Labour Organization (ILO) warned about the risk of a lost generation due to a growing youth employment criris. The Organization called on governments to establish new and stronger partnerships to create more and better jobs for young people. More information here.

Job market is improving in the U.S

Figures from the Labour Department are the latest evidence that the job market is improving in the United States. Last week saw the lowest number of people claiming unemployment assistance since March 2008. More information here.

Britain's jobs crisis is deepening

In Britain, almost half of unemployed workers aged 50 or over 50 have been out of work for a year or more. More information here.

Brazil: Unemployment rate in January the lowest in 10 years

According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the Brazilian unemployment rate in January was 5.5%, the lowest in 10 years. More information here.

ILO: urban unemployment declined in LAC

In recent days the ILO presented its Labour Overview report showing a decline in urban unemployment in Latin America and the Caribbean, reaching a historic low of 6.8%. The Agency warns of the need to improve job quality. See press release here.

Interesting comments on the unemployment in the United States, Posner and Becker

This note present comments on the unemployment in the United States. Posner and Becker talk about the importance of structural unemployment in the country.

Increases employment in the United States ... Acceleration of economic activity?

The US unemployment rate fell to its lowest level (8.5%) for almost three years. This may mean that the economic recovery may finally be building up a head of steam. More information here.

ILO warns of major labour market decline

A study prepared by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the OECD warns of major G20 labour market decline in 2012 and a serious jobs shortfall by 2015. More information here.

Data on the U.S. social security

This link of Fast Facts & Figures provides answers to frequently asked questions about the programs SSA administers in theU.S. It highlights basic program data for the Social Security (retirement, survivors, and disability) and Supplemental Security Income programs.

In addition, this note talks about the financial problems facing the disability program of social security due to the large amount of benefit claims by fired workers and the aging of baby boomers.

UN: Youth unemployment increases

At the United Nations High-level Meeting on Youth, held yesterday and today, the UN reported that the economic recession led to higher youth unemployment. The unemployment rate increased from 11.9 to 13%, which now number 81 million unemployed youth. In addition, the meeting noted that even when they work, young people tend to work longer hours than adults, in exchange for lower wages and informal schemes and no social security. Complete note here.