IZA Evaluation Dataset Survey

The IZA Evaluation Dataset Survey (IZA ED) was developed in order to obtain reliable longitudinal estimates for the impact of Active Labor Market Policies (ALMP). Moreover, it is suitable for studying the processes of job search and labor market reintegration. The data allow analyzing dynamics with respect to a rich set of individual and labor market characteristics. It covers the initial period of unemployment as well as long-term outcomes, for a total period of up to 3 years after unemployment entry. A longitudinal questionnaire records monthly labor market activities and their duration in detail for the mentioned period. These activities are, for example, employment, unemployment, ALMP, other training etc. Available information covers employment status, occupation, sector, and related earnings, hours, unemployment benefits or other transfer payments. A cross-sectional questionnaire contains all basic information including the process of entering into unemployment, and demographics. The entry into unemployment describes detailed job search behavior such as search intensity, search channels and the role of the Employment Agency. Moreover, reservation wages and individual expectations about leaving unemployment or participating in ALMP programs are recorded. The available demographic information covers employment status, occupation and sector, as well as specifics about citizenship and ethnic background, educational levels, number and age of children, household structure and income, family background, health status, and workplace as well as place of residence regions. The survey provides as well detailed information about the treatment by the unemployment insurance authorities, imposed labor market policies, benefit receipt and sanctions. The survey focuses additionally on individual characteristics and behavior. Such co-variates of individuals comprise social networks, ethnic and migration background, relations and identity, personality traits, cognitive and non-cognitive skills, life and job satisfaction, risky behavior, attitudes and preferences. The main advantages of the IZA ED are the large sample size of unemployed individuals, the accuracy of employment histories, the innovative and rich set of individual co-variates and the fact that the survey measures important characteristics shortly after entry into unemployment.