Unemployment Replacement Rates Dataset Among 34 Welfare States, 1971-2009: An Update, Extension and Modification of the Scruggs' Welfare State Entitlements Data Set

Abstract

This data set provides data on unemployment benefit schemes in 34 welfare states. The data set updates, extends and modifies Scruggs’ dataset (2005). The current data set includes all 27 member states of the European Union (EU) and 7 non-EU OECD countries for the period 1971-2009. The codebook contains descriptions of the variables included as well as country-specific sources and notes. Descriptive analyses show that replacement rates in EU15 countries have been increased and converged, while the trend for New Member States is downward sloping.

Keywords: Unemployment benefits, labour market, replacement rates, welfare state indicator, international comparisons

JEL Classification: C82, H53, H55, I30, J38, J60