The distribution of unemployment duration in our equilibrium matching model with spell-dependent unemployment benefits … aggregate unemployment rate. Structural estimation using a German micro-data set (SOEP) allows us to discuss the effects of a … recent unemployment benefit reform (Hartz IV). The reform reduced unemployment by only 0.3%. Contrary to general beliefs, we …

High unemployment in many OECD countries is often attributed, at least in part, to the generosity and long duration of … unemployment compensation. It is therefore instructive to examine a country where high unemployment exists despite the near … complete absence of an unemployment insurance system. In South Africa unemployment stood at 23% in 1997 and the unemployed have …