| Regional labour market studies have indicated that unemployment rates are considerably higher and participation rates lower, especially for females, in rural areas. A study of unemployment in four northern New South Wales towns of different sizes in May 1983, using household interview techniques and covering almost 1700 persons aged 15 years and over, revealed unemployment rates some 70 per cent above the national figure. In addition, participation rates were much lower and the duration of unemployment much greater than the national and state figures for the same month. Considerable variation was observed between the towns. |
