What is the term for the unemployment that occurs when people are out of work due to seasonal variations in demand for labor?

Seasonal unemployment refers specifically to the type of unemployment that arises from fluctuations in demand for labor during different seasons of the year. This phenomenon is common in industries such as agriculture, tourism, and retail, where certain jobs are only available at specific times. For example, agricultural workers may find themselves unemployed when crops are not being harvested, while ski instructors might see their job opportunities dwindle in the summer months.

Understanding the nature of seasonal unemployment is crucial for analyzing labor market trends and developing effective policies to support those affected, as it highlights the predictable patterns of employment and the need for workers in certain sectors to adjust to the seasonal cycles. Other forms of unemployment, such as frictional, structural, and demand-deficient, involve different underlying economic issues beyond these seasonal variations.