Statistical profiling of unemployed jobseekers

Statistical profiling can help identify individuals at risk of becoming long-term unemployed and highlight appropriate predictive variables. However, such models do not unravel the mechanisms behind these relationships, and will hence not inform directly about suitable policies to tackle long-term unemployment. It is also not straightforward to evaluate whether targeted policies are effective. Additionally, policymakers who consider relying on statistical profiling to direct jobseekers to job counseling, training programs, or other social programs should evaluate the ethical implications: individuals are often misclassified and statistical profiling can reinforce patterns of discrimination. ELEVATOR PITCH