UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, MEASUREMENT PROBLEMS: The official unemployment rate, which measures the proportion of the civilian labor force 16 years or older that is not engaged productive activities but is actively seeking employment, is estimated and reported monthly by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The imperfections of official unemployment rate fall into two categories. One that suggests the "true" unemployment of labor resources is likely greater than the official unemployment rate and the other that suggests the "true" unemployment of labor resources is likely less than the official unemployment rate. Two items that show up in the understated category are discouraged workers and part-time workers. Two items that shows up in the overstated category are unreported legal employment and unreported illegal employment. See also | unemployment | unemployment rate | civilian labor force | employment | Bureau of Labor Statistics | Current Population Survey | alternative unemployment rates | fifth rule of imperfection | discouraged workers | underground economy |
