Statistics Explained

Glossary:Unemployment function

This function includes benefits that:

  • replace in whole or in part income lost by a worker due to the loss of gainful employment;
  • provide a subsistence (or better) income to persons entering or re-entering the labour market;
  • compensate for the loss of earnings due to partial unemployment;
  • replace in whole or in part income lost by an older worker who retires from gainful employment before the reference retirement age because of job reductions for economic reasons;
  • contribute to the cost of training or re-training people looking for employment;
  • help unemployed persons meet the cost of travelling or relocating to obtain employment;
  • provide help and relief by providing appropriate goods and services.


Further information

European system of integrated social protection statistics — ESSPROS Manual and User guidelines. 2019 edition

Statistical data

Social protection statistics - unemployment benefits