This paper analyzes the results of the New Jersey Unemployment
Insurance Reemployment Demonstration Project (NJUIRDP) and presents a
framework for understanding the effects of the reemployment bonus and Job
Search Assistance (JSA) aspects of the program. A simple search model
which allows the possibility of recall leads to predictions about the time
pattern of the effects of a bonus offer on new job finding. The
experimental nature of the NJUIRDP allows the effect of the bonus to be
isolated, and evidence is found for a positive effect early in the bonus
period. This is consistent with the model. Evidence is also found that
initial expectation of recall has a negative effect on the new job finding
rate, but that this effect disappears over time. This is interpreted as
reflecting the updating of recall expectations, as pointed to by the search
model. This important interaction between time and recall expectations
implies that if JSA can speed up the adjustment of those expectations, the
new job finding rate will be increased. Evidence suggesting just such an
effect is found when the JSA treatment is isolated.
Patricia Anderson
First name
Patricia
Last name
Anderson
Keywords
Abstract
Year of Publication
1990
Number
263
Date Published
03/1990
Publication Language
eng
Citation Key
8062
Anderson, P. (1990). The Effect of a Reemployment Bonus with the Possibility of Recall: Experimental Evidence from New Jersey. Retrieved from http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/dsp01dz010q06m (Original work published March 1990)
Working Papers
Keywords
Abstract
Standard models of dynamic labor demand rely on the presence of
adjustment costs to explain the observed smoothness in employment patterns,
although the costs are often difficult to quantify. The experience rating
feature of the U.S. Unemployment Insurance (UI) system provides a
measurable linear cost of adjustment. Using a unique data set with
administrative data on over 8,000 firms, I estimate the effect of a
UI-induced linear adjustment cost on seasonal labor demand in retail trade.
I find strong support for the large role of adjustment costs in reducing
the employment response of firms to seasonal fluctuations in demand.
Year of Publication
1992
Number
293
Date Published
01/1992
Publication Language
eng
Citation Key
Quarterly Journal of Economics, Vol. 108, No. 4, November 1993
Anderson, P. (1992). Linear Adjustment Costs and Seasonal Labor Demand: Unemployment Insurance Experience Rating in Retail Trade. Retrieved from http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/dsp01b2773v699 (Original work published January 1992)
Working Papers