Repeat users of the unemployment insurance program

by Miles Corak
Business and Labour Market Analysis Division
Analytical Studies Branch research paper series, No. 043

The purpose of this paper is to document the extent of repeat use of the Canadian unemployment insurance program, and to examine some of the associated individual characteristics. Administrative data that cover the period from mid 1971 to early 1990 are used.

A great deal of repeat use is documented. Under the broadest of definitions U.I. repeaters represent about 80 per cent of claimants in any given year. There are broad variations in the pattern of repeat use according to seasonality, industry of employment, and region of residence. There are also significant variations in the incidence of repeat use according to age. The young of both genders are particularly likely to be U.I. repeaters. Some suggestions as to possible interpretations of these patterns is also presented.

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