PARTICIPATION RATE TREND SERIES


MALES

The trend estimate of the male participation rate generally fell from 72.9% in May 1998 to 71.3% in July 2003. The trend then generally rose to 72.2% in July 2005, before falling to 71.9% in February 2006. The trend has since generally risen to stand at 72.4% in May 2008.

FEMALES

Although fluctuating, the trend estimate of the female participation rate generally rose from 53.9% in May 1998 to 56.1% in March 2003. After falling to 55.4% in February 2004, the trend has since generally risen to stand at 58.4% in May 2008.

PERSONS

The trend estimate of the participation rate fell from 63.2% in May 1998 to 62.8% in May 1999. Although fluctuating, the trend has generally risen to stand at 65.3% in May 2008.