Uzbekistan Public Work Programme’s major reforms proved effective in responding to COVID-19 job crisis

The Uzbekistan Public Work Programme (PWP) was one of the most effective responses to the job-crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional funding, improved strategic management, new areas for public-private employment intensive investments, along with enhanced coordination between employment and social protection policies allowed to double PWP annual coverage. It also guaranteed higher wages and more sustainable and productive employment opportunities. The ILO supported the reform of the Public Works Fund of Uzbekistan through an institutional assessment aimed to develop tailor-made capacity-building strategies and strategic directions for improving services for young men and women.