UNEMPLOYMENT Unemployment occurs when people are available for work but cannot find a suitable job.
While they are looking for work, unemployed people receive financial support from the government in the form of Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance.
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We will learn more about the rate of employment and its
effect on the economy in chapter 32
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Unemployment is when people who are available for work cannot find a suitable job.
Reasons for Unemployment • A downturn in the economy. • Businesses closing down or relocating to another country. • Workers are replaced with new technology, such as computers or machines.
Help for the Unemployed
• Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance, a regular payment from the Department of Social Protection.
• Government-run schemes provide short-term work and training opportunities to unemployed people.
• Jobseeking advice and training courses are offered by the Department of Social Protection to help people re-enter the world of work.
Look at the following line graph showing Ireland’s unemployment rate from 1995 to 2015 and answer the questions that follow.
1. When was unemployment at its highest?
2. During which period was unemployment at its lowest? Explain why.
3. Describe the unemployment trend between 2008 and 2015.
4. Many people emigrated during the recession to find work in other countries. How would this have affected Ireland’s unemployment rate?
Jobseeker’s Allowance debate A
The government has a policy of paying different rates of Jobseeker’s Allowance depending on age. For example, under 25s get a lower rate than over 25s. Do you think this is fair?
Stage a class debate: This house believes that Jobseeker’s Allowance should be the same rate for unemployed people of any age. Record the outcome of the debate on page 82 of your Activities and Accounts Book.
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Line Graph Showing Ireland’s Unemployment Rate from 1995 to 2015