Structural Unemployment

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Definition of 'Structural Unemployment'

Structural unemployment is a type of unemployment that occurs when there is a mismatch between the skills of workers and the needs of employers. This can happen when there are changes in the economy, such as when a new technology is introduced or when a company relocates. Structural unemployment can also occur when there are changes in the workforce, such as when workers retire or when new workers enter the workforce.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to structural unemployment. One factor is a lack of education and training. Workers who do not have the skills that employers are looking for are more likely to be unemployed. Another factor is a lack of mobility. Workers who are unable to move to where the jobs are located are more likely to be unemployed.

Structural unemployment can have a number of negative consequences for the economy. It can lead to lower wages, higher inflation, and slower economic growth. It can also lead to social problems, such as poverty and crime.

There are a number of policies that can be used to address structural unemployment. One policy is to provide education and training to workers so that they can acquire the skills that employers are looking for. Another policy is to provide financial assistance to workers who are unable to move to where the jobs are located.

Structural unemployment is a complex problem, but there are a number of policies that can be used to address it. By taking action to address structural unemployment, we can help to create a more prosperous economy and a better society.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are a number of other factors that can contribute to structural unemployment. These include:

* **Changes in the global economy:** The global economy is constantly changing, and these changes can have a significant impact on the demand for workers in different countries. For example, the rise of China as a manufacturing powerhouse has led to a decline in manufacturing jobs in the United States.
* **Technological change:** Technological change can also lead to structural unemployment. As new technologies are introduced, they can make some jobs obsolete. For example, the introduction of computers has led to a decline in the number of jobs for typists and other clerical workers.
* **Changes in the workforce:** The workforce is also changing, and these changes can contribute to structural unemployment. For example, the aging of the workforce is leading to a decline in the number of young workers, which can make it difficult for employers to find workers with the skills they need.

Structural unemployment can have a number of negative consequences for the economy. It can lead to lower wages, higher inflation, and slower economic growth. It can also lead to social problems, such as poverty and crime.

There are a number of policies that can be used to address structural unemployment. These include:

* **Education and training:** Providing education and training to workers can help them to acquire the skills that employers are looking for.
* **Job creation:** Government can create jobs by investing in infrastructure, public works, and other projects.
* **Relocation assistance:** Government can provide financial assistance to workers who are unable to move to where the jobs are located.

Structural unemployment is a complex problem, but there are a number of policies that can be used to address it. By taking action to address structural unemployment, we can help to create a more prosperous economy and a better society.

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