Analysing Spatial Time Series of Local Unemployment: A Graphical Approach Using Principal Components Analysis and Seasonal Adjustment Procedures

In this paper, the potential of principal components analysis to analyse spatial time series of local unemployment is discussed. A seasonal adjustment procedure is also used which allows trend, seasonal, and irregular subcomponents of the unemployment series to be identified and analysed separately. It is argued that such an approach may provide important insights into the functioning of the regional space economy. Empirical results are presented from a study of local unemployment in the Severnside region. Throughout the paper emphasis is placed on graphical displays and summaries.