HC Deb 06 July 1982 vol 27 c74W
46. Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will estimate the numbers of people who wish to be employed or who have need of employment who are not currently registered as unemployed.

Mr. Alison

The latest information suggests that in 1979–80 about a third of a million people were seeking work but were not registered as unemployed. Information on those who wished for employment or had need of employment but were not actively seeking work is not available.

Various surveys over the years—the latest in 1981—have suggested that for one reason or another some of the registered unemployed are not actively looking for work or are not concerned about being out of work. Estimates of the proportion range between about 10 per cent. and 20 per cent., varying in part with the coverage and timing of the surveys.

All the preceding figures have a degree of uncertainty reflecting sampling errors and other survey difficuties.