A study of replacement ratios among a sample of unemployed workers

Abstract

Abstract: This study reports the findings of an examination of the actual benefits to earnings (replacement) ratio experience among a sample of unemployed workers. Previous Irish studies in this area have been at the macro-economic level and have estimated hypothetical replacement ratios for various categories of unemployed workers, based on an individual's dependency status and an assumed level of pre-unemployment earnings. This study points to a marked correlation between the actual replacement ratios calculated for the sample and the hypothetical values in the earlier studies. Some of the policy implications of the findings are discussed.