2.3 The Labour Market Flashcards
Unit 2 AOS 3
The labour market
The supply (provided by workers) and demand (determined by firms) for labour
Derived demand
The demand for labour and depends on demand for goods and services (aggregate demand). Has a positive relationship with demand for goods and services.
Cyclical unemployment
Between 1-12 months. Results from changes in economic activity over the business cycle.
Structural unemployment
Lasts 12+ months. Results from a mismatch between the jobs available and those looking for work due to a lack of skills or they live too far.
Frictional unemployment
Usually less than 1 month. Results from when people move between jobs in the labour market and out of the work force.
Underemployment
When people are employed (often part-time) but would like to work more hours and are available to do so.
Seasonal unemployment
Occurs during particular times of year because season patterns affect their jobs. Mainly tourism and agriculture sectors.
Hidden unemployment
People aren’t counted as unemployed but would likely work if given the opportunity, as they aren’t actively seeking employment.
The natural level of unemployment
The proportion of the workforce that voluntarily chooses to remain unemployed when the labour market is in equilibrium.
Non-involuntary unemployment
At full employment everyone who wants a job has one.
Rate of voluntary employment
estimated at 4-4.5% at full employment
Natural level of unemployment
The government’s macroeconomic goal at full employment. Represented by NAIRU to be at inflation at 4.5%.
NAIRU
Non-Accelerating Inflation Rate of Unemployment
Factors that can influence the total demand for labour
Level of economic activity, demand for individual firms’ product, employer expectations about the future state of the economy, productivity of labour vs other inputs, the relative cost of labour and capital, government economic policies, the industrial climate/conditions in firms’ industry, a shift toward industries mor reliant on technology
Productivity
Defined as unit of output per worker our per hour work; productivity = total output/total input
An award
A legal document that sets out the terms and conditions of employment for a specific industry or job. Define minimum wage rates and conditions of employment including overtime, penalty rates, and allowances
Benefits of labour productivity: higher wages
More productive workers are more valuable to a firm. Unit labour costs (ULCs), measure the labour costs of producing one more unit, decreases as productivity increases. Firms profit increases and can be shared.
Benefits of labour productivity: lower prices
Businesses can reduce prices for consumers without reducing profits or wages. Makes more competitive.
Benefits of labour productivity: higher profits
It costs businesses less to produce a given level of output. Profits can be distributed to owners, shareholders, or reinvested into the firm.