The average unemployment rate in original figures fell to 6.2% of the civilian labor force over the age of 15 in 2013 from 6.9% in 2012, the Central Bureau of Statistics reported. The average number of unemployed fell to 214,000 in 2013 from 239,000 in 2012.
The unemployment rate fell to 5.8% in the fourth quarter, the lowest figure since the methodology was changed in early 2012.
The average unemployment rate in original figures fell to 5.4% of the civilian labor force aged 25-64 in 2013 from 5.9% in 2012.
The unemployment rate fell even as participation in the labor force remained unchanged at 63.7% in 2013. One of the biggest problems in the Israeli labor market is the low participation rate by haredi (ultra-orthodox) men and Arab women.
Unemployment in Israel on a comparative basis is also encouraging. Israel's average unemployment rate in 2013 was below the OECD average of 8%, although it was higher than the 5.4% rate in Germany and 4% rate in Japan.
The biggest problem in the Israeli labor market is not unemployment, but low salaries, part-time jobs, the lack of enforcement of labor laws, and the low participation by certain groups.
The number of involuntary part-time employees (people seeking but unable to full-time jobs or second jobs) totaled 114,000 at the of 2013, 6.1% more than at the end of September. The proportion of these employees rose to 3.3% of the labor force from 3.1% over this period. 1.6% of working men were involuntary part-time employees, as were 5.2% of women (up from 4.9% at the end of September).
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 30, 2014
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