Ken,
    Thanks for the reference, I'm sure that it probably is more statistically sound than it seems to me.  They report a margin of error of between 2 and 3.8%, but it still makes me wonder if that number is really accurate.

Jim


Ken Hirsch <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
The states do release figures on unemployment claims and they are often reported along with the unemployment rate, especially "new claims for unemployment", since that's related to how fast people are being laid off.

But the "unemployment rate", now 4.5% is calculated by a survey done by the Census Bureau of a sample of all households.  I erred in saying it was done by phone, however, much of it is done in person.  See http://www.bls.gov/cps_htgm.htm

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