LINKS TO OTHER DIMENSIONS OF PROGRESS

Work, and the economic and social benefits that flow from it, are important to the wellbeing of individuals, the broader community and the economy. The underutilisation of labour resources is a lost opportunity for producing goods and services, while income support and other services provided to assist those who are unemployed use government funds which could be used in other ways.

There are links between work, or a lack of work, and other aspects of progress. For example, studies generally suggest that unemployment is associated with crime, with poorer health, and with higher risks of financial hardship and lower levels of social cohesion. These associations tend to be stronger for those who are unemployed for longer periods of time. Reducing levels of unemployment may help to reduce the extent of these associated problems.

Improvement in the skill or quality of the work undertaken by people affects Australia's productivity, while unemployment is influenced by changes in the economic cycle. The level of education is strongly linked to gaining employment and, in particular, to higher paid jobs and higher skilled occupations.

See also the sections linked below.