Definition
Current availability for work is one of the three criteria of the definition of unemployment specified by the international statistical standards. The criterion should be interpreted as current availability and readiness to work given a suitable work opportunity. It also means that there are no impediments to start work if a suitable work opportunity existed.
Some people may not be able to take up work immediately because they need some time to make arrangements, as in the case of some women who need to arrange day care of their child while they are away working. For this reason, the term "current" should be interpreted to mean availability for work during the reference week or within a short period after, for example, two weeks.
