The Central Bureau of Statistics has published new data which shows that unemployment is actually 70% higher than the latest figures indicate. In its report "Alternative Definitions of Labor Force 2001-2007), the Central Bureau of Statistics said, "When you also add to the unemployed according to official definitions, those who have despaired of looking for work, and those who are employed only part time through no choice of their own, the number of unemployed rises by 70%. For example, in 2007 the percentage of unemployed among those aged 15-64 was 7.3% but after including additional groups it was 12.7%.

The report also found that unemployment among women was higher and when relating to hidden unemployment the gender gap grew even more. The Central Bureau of Statistics found that most people who could only find part-time work, or had despaired of finding work altogether, were women.

In 2007 broadening the definition of unemployment raised joblessness among Jewish men from 6.2% to 8.3%, while among Arab women it rose from 15.2% to 38.3%. In other words hidden unemployment raises the percentage of the work force without a job from 8% to 13.6%.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on December 21, 2009

© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2009