>>>So did unemployment figures rise
>>>
>>>I am saying that the labor force participation rate fell dramatically. That is one thing that you need to take into consideration when discussing TRUE unemployment numbers. You must also consider the fact that when you stop getting unemployment compensation and go on to disability or welfare, you are no longer considered to be unemployed.
>>
>>There is only one official definition of unemployment—people who are jobless, actively seeking work, and available to take a job (from BLS)
>>Why would someone on welfare and seeking a job not be considered unemployed ?
>
>Because the unemployment numbers would look much worse if these were to be counted. It may lead to the unacceptable practice of making the government look bad.

That's why the MIGHT be want to do it - but one has to assume that they are NOT because it would contradict their official definition of 'unemployed' ?