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Does Unemployment Compensation Affect Unemployment Duration?

Author

Listed:
  • Knut Roed

    (Frisch Centre for Economic Research, Oslo)

  • Tao Zhang

    (Frisch Centre for Economic Research, Oslo)

Abstract

We use a flexible hazard rate model with unrestricted spell duration and calendar time effects to analyse a dataset including all Norwegian unemployment spells during the 1990s. The dataset provides a unique access to conditionally independent variation in unemployment compensation. We find that a marginal increase in compensation reduces the escape rate from unemployment significantly, irrespective of business cycle conditions and spell duration. The escape rate rises sharply in the months just prior to benefit exhaustion. While men are more responsive than women with respect to marginal changes in compensation, women are most responsive with respect to benefit exhaustion. Copyright Royal Economic Society 2003.

Suggested Citation

  • Knut Roed & Tao Zhang, 2003. "Does Unemployment Compensation Affect Unemployment Duration?," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 113(484), pages 190-206, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecj:econjl:v:113:y:2003:i:484:p:190-206
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