1 INTRODUCTION 1.3 UNEMPLOYMENT IN JORDAN

The inability to find a work opportunity despite the existence of the potential to do so and the ongoing quest for one is known as unemployment. An imbalance in the labour market, when there is an excess of demand relative to work options, causes this economic issue (supply). One of the fundamental traits that distinguishes modern economies in both developed and developing nations is unemployment. [1]

For the Jordanian economy, unemployment is a serious and ongoing problem. Unemployment rates has risen to unprecedented levels as a result of the Corona virus pandemic. [2] However, even before the pandemic crisis, the Jordanian economy was facing difficulties due to continued sluggish growth dynamics and structural challenges. Between 2016 and 2019, real GDP growth averaged around 2%, which was not enough to create jobs to absorb Jordan’s young labour force. [3]

The total unemployment rate increased from 19.1% in the third quarter of 2019, to 23.9% in the third quarter of 2020, to decline slightly to 23.2% in the third quarter of 2021. [3] These high rates of unemployment lead to an increase in the economic, social and psychological costs for Jordanians, which makes it imperative for everyone to find practical and effective solutions to limit this increase.

[1] OECD Statistical Glossary: UNEMPLOYMENT

[2] https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/jordan/overview

[3] Department of Statistics, Unemployment Report, 2021

Unemployed people frequently experience anger, frustration, and hopelessness. [4] Additionally, there is a correlation between high unemployment rates and rises in crime, domestic abuse, substance misuse, and divorce. Social unrest can result from high and sustained unemployment rates.

[4] https://www.health.org.uk/publications/long-reads/unemployment-and-mental-health