This book presents the proceedings of a conference on Labour Market Policies and the Public Employment Service.

This report reformulates and discusses the question of the role of the Public Employment Service in Organization for Economic Co-operation (OECD) member countries under the changed conditions of the labor market during the 1970s and early 1980s. Following an introductory and background section, chapter 2 describes the varying concepts of the Public Employment Service. These aspects are discussed: degree of desirable and necessary market intervention, relationship of the Service with its clients and other agents in the labor market, functions of the Employment Service, and administration of unemployment insurance. Chapter 3 considers the placement function of the Service. Topics include the rationale, techniques, action in support of placement, and evaluation of placement activity. Chapter 4 focuses on labor market information that is collected, processed, used, and disseminated by the Service. Types, sources, and uses of labor market information are described, and deficiencies in labor market information are summarized. Chapter 5 discusses the organization and administration of the Employment Service, including legal and constitutional status, finance, field organization and local autonomy, and staff recruitment and training. Chapter 6 summarizes issues (notably the dual role of rendering service and implementing policy) and looks at prospects for the future. (YLB)

This publication provides a wide range of indicators for comparing the operational and institutional characteristics of 73 Public Employment Services in 71 countries around the world.