The scope of the several schemes naturally varies in the different countries since the need of insurance against the unemployment of classes of the population varies widely. Even where the sys tem is compulsory it does not extend to everybody subject to the risk. On the other hand, where the system is on the voluntary basis with a government subvention it may be applied to classes or persons not covered under the compulsory systems. The upper and lower age limits for insurance also vary. Again, the condi tions to be satisfied under the various national systems differ in points of detail, but there are broad lines of resemblance in most of them. For instance the unemployment against which the worker is insured is involuntary unemployment. Nor will he be paid benefits under the schemes if there is suitable employment which he can take up. In this connection it is worthy of note that in countries which have instituted compulsory systems the example of Great Britain has been followed by setting up systems of em ployment exchanges by means of which the existence of suitable employment may be known and jobs offered to the unemployed.
The loss of work through a trade dispute in which the worker is involved is commonly a reason for disqualification although there are various refinements on this point, e.g., the duration of the disqualification may be for the period of the dispute or for any period after it has ended until the worker is again employed. Voluntarily leaving work without good cause and dismissal for misconduct are also generally grounds for refusal of benefit.
The British requirements of an initial qualifying period during which contributions shall have been paid is a usual condition as is also a waiting period, during which benefit is not payable, at the beginning of a spell of unemployment. The British system of fixed rates of benefits is not however by any means universal. Several systems provide that benefit shall bear a relation to earnings of the worker when in employment. Under the compulsory systems contributions are usually made by employers, employed and the State, although the proportion in which they share may vary. In the case of voluntary schemes administered as they generally are by the trade unions, the employers do not contribute. Payments by workers vary according to rules of the associations, and the State adds a proportionate contribution. (J. F. G. P. ; D. D. L.) BIBLIOGRAPHY.-The British Labour Gazette, and American Monthly Labor Review, and Social Security Board Bulletin, for current infor mation monthly; Ronald C. Davison, British Unemployment Policy since 193o (1938) ; E. Wyatt and W. H. Wandell, The Social Security Act in Operation (1937); Bryce Stewart, Planning and Administration of Unemployment Compensation in the United States (1938) ; Hear ings on amendments of 5939, before Social Security Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, 76th Congress, ist session (1939) (Also Senate Hearings). Oscar Weigert, Administration of Placement and Unemployment Insurance in Germany (1934).
(D. D. L.)