Two reasons: 1. It gives an idea of how many people are being supported by means outside of regular employment. In most cases this will have some form of impa

Two reasons: 1. It gives an idea of how many people are being supported by means outside of regular employment. In most cases this will have some form of impact on the economy. 2. Other job figures are misleading in different ways. Job creation numbers are irrelevant unless you know how many people are seeking work. Unemployment numbers only consider the number of people actively looking for work, ignoring those who are able and willing to work but are unable to seek employment.