Although accurate and frequent, it is accepted that these figures underestimate true levels of unemployment. The ILO unemployment measure has the advantage of being comparable with other countries and is generally thought to be a better guide to true levels of unemployment. Cornwall has lower unemployment on this measure because the ILO rate is based on resident economically active populations, whereas the claimant count measure is based on workplaces. In Devon, particularly the Plymouth area, inward commuting from Cornwall is an important feature of the local labour market. The unemployment figures are likely to be an underestimate as they do not include those who are not working, are actively seeking work, but are ineligible for benefit and are therefore not registered.
Males are more likely to be unemployed in Cornwall than females.
Seasonality of employment is a major problem and disguises the issue of long term unemployment.