Which term refers to the percentage of the labor force that is jobless and actively seeking employment?

The term that refers to the percentage of the labor force that is jobless and actively seeking employment is the unemployment rate. This statistic is crucial for understanding the overall health of an economy, as it signifies the number of individuals who are willing and able to work but cannot find a job.

In contrast, the employment rate measures the proportion of the working-age population that is currently employed, which does not account for those actively searching for jobs. The job vacancy rate indicates the percentage of open positions available in the labor market, while the labor force participation rate reflects the proportion of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking employment, not just those who are unemployed. The unemployment rate provides a focused insight into the challenges faced by job seekers, making it an essential indicator for economic analysis and policy-making.