[jiggyboy]

This imaginary “5%” figure is one of many measures in the official report, specifically U-3. Basically, it’s only people getting unemployment checks.

Nobody publishes U-6, which is far more accurate in that it includes people more people who are, how can I put this in layman’s terms, not working. :-)

[1rudeboy]

Unemployment compensation does not figure into any of the U numbers. So basically, you are incorrect.

[Toddsterpatriot]

This imaginary “5%” figure is one of many measures in the official report, specifically U-3. Basically, it’s only people getting unemployment checks.

Nope.

6. Is the count of unemployed persons limited to just those people receiving unemployment insurance benefits? No; the estimate of unemployment is based on a monthly sample survey of households. All persons who are without jobs and are actively seeking and available to work are included among the unemployed. (People on temporary layoff are included even if they do not actively seek work.) There is no requirement or question relating to unemployment insurance benefits in the monthly survey.

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf