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.

On cover: Employment and society

1. Origins and historical evolution. 2. The Changing labour market 3. Role, functions and resources of the public employment service 4. Job -broking 5. Labour market information 6. Administration of labour market adjustmment programmes 7. unemployment benefits and the public employment service 8. organising and managing the service9. the PES and other organizations.

This publication provides an in-depth look at the public employment service and recent policy initiatives in the United States. Areas of concern about recent reforms are outlined and options for making policies more effective are presented.

This publication examines how the Public Employment Service can actively promote and manage transitions out of unemployment into market work, both directly and via labour market programmes in Greece, Ireland, and Portugal.