We examine the optimal labor market-policy mix over the business cycle. In a search and matching model with risk …- cancy subsidy, a layoff tax and unemployment benefits. We derive analytical expressions for the optimal setting of each of … replacement rate of unemployment insurance should all rise in recessions. We find this confirmed in a calibration targeted to the …

The divergence of unemployment rates between the United States and Europe coincided with a substantial acceleration in … change. The proposed framework offers a novel explanation for the observed divergence of unemployment rates across economies … adoption. The results of the paper challenge the popular, but controversial, view that blames generous unemployment insurance …

We analyze changes in unemployment, marginal labor force attachment and participation in Canada and the U.S. Using two … complementary decompositions, we show the importance for the comparative evolution of aggregate unemployment of changes in the … marginally attached displaying behavior lying between unemployment and non-attachment. The three non-employment states are …