Cyclical Unemployment

Definition

Cyclical unemployment refers to the joblessness caused by fluctuations in the economic cycle—typically periods of economic recession or downturn. It occurs when the demand for goods and services in an economy falls, causing businesses to cut back on production and lay off employees. Thus, it’s directly related to the short-term changes in the economy’s growth and contraction.

Phonetic

The phonetics of the keyword “Cyclical Unemployment” is: “Sigh-kli-kal Uhn-em-ploy-ment”.

Key Takeaways

1. Cyclical Unemployment is Directly Related to Market Trends: This type of unemployment is directly related to the level of macroeconomic activity in a country. When a country’s economy enters into the contraction phase of the business cycle, more people become jobless, thereby increasing the rate of cyclical unemployment. Therefore, cyclical unemployment rises during periods of economic downturns or recessions and decreases during times of economic growth and expansion.
2. Cyclical Unemployment Is Temporary: Cyclical unemployment is a temporary phenomenon. It occurs due to the temporary downfall or recession in the economy. Once the economic conditions improve, the demand for labor rises again and the unemployment rate decreases. This implies that businesses lay off workers during hard times but may hire them back when the economy improves.
3. Government Policies Can Help Reducing Cyclical Unemployment: Cyclical unemployment can be controlled to a certain extent through proper government policies such as stimulating economic growth, improving skills-training programs, and providing unemployment insurance during economic downturns. Hence, while cyclical unemployment is influenced by the business cycle and the health of the economy, the rate of unemployment can be mitigated through proactive government interventions.

Importance

Cyclical unemployment is an important term in business and finance as it refers to the type of unemployment caused by economic recessions or downturns. It shows how the economy’s performance directly impacts the job market. During periods of economic decline or contraction, business activity slows down and companies may be forced to lay off workers to cut costs, leading to higher unemployment rates. Conversely, during periods of economic expansion, business activity increases and companies may hire more workers, reducing unemployment rates. Understanding cyclical unemployment helps policymakers and economists gauge the health of the economy, predict potential changes, and develop strategies to mitigate high unemployment during downturns.

Explanation

Cyclical unemployment refers to the varying level of unemployment that corresponds to the cyclical trends in an economy’s growth cycle. It plays a crucial role in economic analysis and government policymaking, serving as one of the tools for economists and policymakers to understand and assess the health of an economy. If the economy is in a recession or contraction phase, cyclical unemployment tends to rise due to reduced demand for goods and services, leading businesses to cut back on their workforce. Conversely, when the economy is in the expansion or boom phase, demand for goods and services increases which often leads to firms expanding their workforce, reducing the level of cyclical unemployment. By monitoring changes in cyclical unemployment, economists and policymakers can arrive at informed decisions on the implementation of monetary and fiscal policy measures. High levels of cyclical unemployment may indicate that the economy is underperforming, signaling to policymakers the need to stimulate growth through means such as cutting interest rates or employing fiscal stimuli. It is used to gauge the need for intervention, crafted to either boost or slow down the economy. Understanding cyclical unemployment helps maintain economic stability and influences essential decisions regarding employment policies, interest rates, and economic planning.

Examples

1. Automotive Industry: The automotive industry is strongly affected by economic booms and recessions because purchasing a car is a big financial decision. During recessions, people are less likely to buy new vehicles which leads to a decrease in production and a potential increase in unemployment rates. Conversely, during economic booms, people are more likely to invest in new vehicles, leading to increased production and potentially lower unemployment rates. 2. Construction Industry: The construction industry is highly susceptible to cyclical unemployment because it is heavily influenced by the state of the economy. During an economic downturn or recession, less construction projects are initiated as companies and individuals cut back on spending, causing layoffs and increased unemployment in the industry. Conversely, during a booming economy, there is usually increased construction activity resulting in more job opportunities and lower unemployment rates in the industry. 3. Tourism and Hospitality Industry: This industry depends largely on discretionary income and thus is highly cyclical. During periods of economic prosperity, tourism tends to flourish as more people take vacations and eat out, providing jobs in these sectors. When economic conditions are poor, however, people often cut back on these types of expenditures, leading to job losses and increased unemployment in tourism and hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Related Finance Terms

• Economic Downturn
• Business Cycle
• Recession
• Seasonal Unemployment
• Structural Unemployment

Sources for More Information

• Investopedia
• India Times
• Rocket Money
• Indeed