This broad survey of unemployment will be a major source of reference for both scholars and students. It aims to provide a basis for better policy: showing how the lessons learned from experience and theory can be applied to greatly reduce the waste and misery of high unemployment. The book surveys in a clear, concise manner the main aspects of the unemployment problem. It integrates macroeconomics with a detailed micro-analysis of the labour market. It uses the authors' model to explain the puzzling post-war history of OECD unemployment and shows how unemployment and inflation are affected by systems of wage bargaining and unemployment insurance. For each issue the authors' develop a relevant theory, followed by extensive empirical analysis. The authors are established experts in the field, and this book gives their definitive treatment. Now revised to include an analysis of unemployment changes since 1991, it is clear the authors' original model has stood the test of time making this book a must read for any student studying economics at an advanced level.

Why has unemployment fallen in some countries and not in others? This classic book is now re-issued with an updated introduction, which shows how well the analysis explains recent developments. The book is both a textbook and an original monograph in which the authors set out their analytic framework which has now become standard in some countries. The book both explains unemployment and shows how it can be reduced. It contains a long overview chapter which is accessible to any non-specialist with an elementary knowledge of economics.

'Taken simply as a review of the literature, the book is a monumental achievement ... There is no question that this book is essential reading for economists concerned with unemployment, but it should also be studied by everyone in industry concerned with wage bargaining, whether employer or trade unionist.'