Describes how local area unemployment statistics are developed by state employment security agencies to provide the Bureau of Labor Statistics with data on the insured unemployed by county of residence. Includes a discussion of the handbook method, a consistent and uniform method of estimating total unemployment for states and areas. (Editor/TA)

Describes recent federal legislation under which the local area unemployment statistics (LAUS) program will play an important role in allocating billions of dollars in economic aid to states and local areas. Major issues resulting from a review of the LAUS program (procedures, methods, reliability requirements) are discussed. (Editor/TA)