Vinnumarkaður - 01.09.1996, Page 30

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Synopsis of methods and concepts
u nemployment is calculated as the number of unemployment
days divided by the average number of working days per
month (21,67).
Length of registered unemployment. The number of
successive weeks an individual has been registered as unem-
ployed on the reference day. Loss of compensation rights does
not interrupt the count of weeks in unemployment. Casual
work or part-time work does not affect the count of unem-
ployment weeks unless this leads to the individual’ s removal
from the register for one week or more.
3.3 Labourforceprojection
3.3.1 Origin of data
Every three years Statistics Iceland creates population pro-
jections based on various combinations of mortality rates,
fertility rates and net migration. The latest projection dates
from 1995. One variant of the population projections is
published in Landshagir [Statistical Yearbook of Iceland].
The present labour force projection is based upon the popu-
lation projection published in Landshagir 1995, and the
labourforce surveys of 1991-1995.
3.3.2 Projection assumptions
The labour force projection is based on the follo wing assump-
tions:
Mortality rates decrease by 0.5% per year up to the year
2004, based on the average mortality rates of 1989-93.
Fertility rates are assumed to decrease to a total fertility rate
of 1.9 by 2004. Migration rates for 1990-94 are applied to
external migration, modified as to result in a net migration of
zero.
Throughout the period, the total number of economically
active persons is estimated by using the average labour force
participationrates 1991-1995 pereach sexandagegroup [ 16-
19 years, 20-24 years, 25-29 years,.., 70-74 years}, taking
into account the o vercoverage bias discussed in section 3.1.3.
3.4 Trade union membership
3.4.1 Origin of data, coverage and reliability
This year Statistics Iceland began to collect data on trade union
membership from the unions in preparation for a regular
publication of labour force statistics. The reference time is 31
December each year. Federations and unaffiliated unions, as
registered at the State Conciliation and Mediation Service, are
asked to report to SI.
In the case of partially missing information, the total
number in each category is estimated in consultation with
union officials. Data on the number of affiliated members are
collected but not reported.
3.4.2 Concepts
Active member. A person who pays union dues and enjoys
full rights within the union, including the right to vote and
stand for office.
F ull member. A non-paying or a paying member of a union
who enjoys full rights within the union, including the right to
vote and stand for office.
3.5 Internationalcomparison
3.5.1 Origin of data, coverage and reliability
Various sources were utilised for Table 10.1, even if the
principal source is the 1996 OECD report, Labour Force
Statistics 1973-1993.
Users should be on guard when comparing labour force
participation rates and unemployment rates across countries,
as methods and definitions of concepts may vary greatly. The
OECD figures can be relied on to be more or less consistent,
whereas they are not necessarily directly comparable to data
from other sources. Each national time-series should, how-
ever, be consistent.