Comments on Unemployment Insurance in the 1980's A Report of the Task Force on Unemployment Prepared For
The Minister Of Employment And Immigration
Dr. Robert Hill
Publisher: Community Services Council of Newfoundland and Labrador
Year Published: 1982
Pages: 34pp Resource Type: Article
Cx Number: CX2478
In July, 1981, the Report of the Federal Task Force was made public.
Abstract:
In July, 1981, the Report of the Federal Task Force was made public. Since the recommendations of this report would have serious consequences for the social and economic fabric of Newfoundland, the Community Services Council of Newfoundland and Labrador (CSC) asked Dr. Robert Hill, a sociologist, to analyze the Report. His paper, Comments on "Unemployment Insurance in the 1980s...," has since been adopted as CSC policy.
Dr. Hill's paper identifies both positive and negative implications of the Task Force recommendations. The positive include the simplification of UI regulations and improved coverage for pregnant women and part-time workers. However, these benefits are more than offset by the other proposed changes, especially the significant increase in the number of weeks of insurable employment required before payment can be received (in Newfoundland, 15 weeks rather than 10) and the decrease in the duration of benefits (by as much as 12 weeks). Dr. Hill contends that the reasons provided by the Task Force for these changes, such as to encourage labour mobility, are not applicable to the vast majority of those who would be affected. The chief result of the changes would be to force many workers out of the labour market altogether and onto social assistance.
Since the main purpose of the proposed changes seems to be to save the federal government money rather than meet the needs of the unemployed, Dr. Hill recommends that the changes (other than the positive ones) be postponed until a systematic programme of job creation is underway. If and when such changes are made, they should take into account regional inequalities of opportunity in the labour market.
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