Unemployment in the 1980s

Abstract

Unemployment causes suffering to people who are made redundant or who cannot find a job on leaving school. The families of these people also experience financial difficulties, anxiety and stress. In areas where a high proportion of people are out of work, communities become demoralised and depressed. High unemployment means that even people in work suffer, through reduced opportunities to change jobs, and the feeling of vulnerability which spreads throughout society. The costs of unemployment are borne by the society as a whole, both in terms of financial and social factors. Increased demands are made on social workers, doctors and other caring workers as they are called upon to deal with the effects of unemployment on the physical and mental health of individuals, families and communities. Unemployment is thus an issue of individual and national concern.