PARTICIPATION RATE TREND SERIES


MALES

The trend estimate of the male participation rate generally fell from 72.7% in December 1998 to 71.3% in July 2003. The trend then generally rose to 72.5% in February 2008, before falling to stand at 72.1% in December 2008.

FEMALES

The trend estimate of the female participation rate generally rose from 53.8% in December 1998 to 56.1% in March 2003. After falling to 55.4% in February 2004, the trend then rose to 58.3% in June 2008 before falling to stand at 58.1% in December 2008.

PERSONS

The trend estimate of the participation rate fell from 63.1% in December 1998 to 62.8% in May 1999. The trend, although fluctuating, generally rose to 65.3% in April 2008. The trend has since fallen to stand at 65.0% in December 2008.