The concepts described on these pages are words and expressions used in statistics with a specific, limited meaning. In everyday speech the word may have a different meaning. In connection with each definition you can find information about which sets of statistics use the concept.

If you are looking for statistical figures, go from the definition to the statistics page.

Background to unemployment

The background to unemployment refers to the activity of an unemployed person prior to unemployment: a) whether he or she was at work or outside the labour force, b) whether the job was permanent or for a fixed-term, c) what was the activity of the unemployed who became unemployed from outside the labour force prior to unemployment, and d) whether is entering the working life permanently for the first time.



Statistics using the definition

Validity of the definition

  • 1 January 1997 - 6 September 2010

The activity of an unemployed person prior to unemployment: was at work or outside the labour force. Information is also obtained on those seeking permanent employment for the first time.



Validity of the definition

  • 1 January 1976 - 31 December 1996

Source organisation

  • Tilastokeskus

Source organisation

  • Tilastokeskus

Jaa