Unemployment in Israel higher than stated

Unemployment in Israel stands at 7.2 percent among men and 9 percent among women and not 5.6 percent overall as published by the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, say 'National' Insurance Institute officials.

Furthermore, say the NII sources, a quarter of the Israeli employees who work part-time jobs would like to work full time.

A new NII study says that the true unemployment rate in Israel is actually much higher. The reason: Many Israelis are employed in part-time positions but would like to work full time, and many Israelis have given up on looking for work.

These individuals, according to the official unemployment figures, are not defined as unemployed.

The NII believes otherwise. The NII study suggests that the unemployment rates should be significantly higher than those currently presented, noting that the figures should include individuals who have given up on seeking employment and also part-time workers who wish to find full-time jobs.

"Including these figures when calculating unemployment would give a more accurate rate," the NII report says.