Panel discussion about imprisoning unemployed (4)
I believe the answer is:
idle
'unemployed' is the definition.
(associated in meaning)
'panel discussion about imprisoning' is the wordplay.
'imprisoning' says the answer is hidden in the clue (the answer is imprisoned within the clue).
'about' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'eldi' is hidden within 'panel discussion'.
'eldi' back-to-front is 'IDLE'.
(Other definitions for idle that I've seen before include "Unoccupied or not in use" , "Lazy - unemployed" , "having no effect" , "Lied about being lazy or not working" , "lndolent" .)