Which term refers to unemployment that occurs when qualified workers are unwilling to relocate, causing jobs to go unfilled in a specific location?

• A. locational unemployment
• B. frictional unemployment
• C. structural unemployment
• D. cyclical unemployment

Answer: (A)

This question tests how geographic mobility affects unemployment. When qualified workers are unwilling to relocate, local job openings in a specific area stay unfilled even though there are jobs available elsewhere. That situation is described as locational unemployment. It focuses on the impact of geographic immobility on filling regional vacancies.

Frictional unemployment is about the normal, short-term job search as people move between jobs, not specifically about location. Structural unemployment involves a long-term mismatch between workers’ skills and job requirements, not about reluctance to move. Cyclical unemployment stems from downturns in the overall economy reducing demand for labor.