Topic portal
Employment services
In today's labour market, employment services and other active labour market policies are key to strengthening national economies—connecting job seekers with employers, improving employability and job retention, and supporting enterprises.
As technological advancements and multiple crises reshape labour markets, public employment services and private employment agencies help individuals and businesses alike to effectively cope with, and build resilience for, labour market disruptions. From providing support to workers when they lose their jobs or navigate career transitions, to assisting employers in recruiting talent and reskilling staff, employment services are at the very foundation of efficient, inclusive, and well-functioning labour markets.
News and articles
Employment promotion and South-South cooperation
Enhanced public employment services power skills matching and decent employment opportunities in Cambodia
News
ILO strengthens employment services and labour-market links in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region and Ninewa province
Guide to private employment agencies
This updated guide highlights the vital role Private Employment Agencies (PrEAs) play in improving labour market functionality while focusing on two key pillars: labour market alignment and fair recruitment practices.
Most recent publications
Inter-Agency Group booklet
Investing in career guidance
Second (revised) edition
Guide to private employment agencies
Manual
How to support an employer? Manual for managerial and operational teams in PES
Guides and tools
Public employment services: diagnostic tool and guide
Collection of guides
A series of publications aimed at job seekers, young people and employment service advisors, to equip them on the themes of career guidance and job search.
International labour standards on employment services
A framework for effective public and private employment services is provided by two international labour standards: the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88) and the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181).
The ILO provides its Member States with the technical assistance needed to ratify and implement both conventions to benefit all: workers, employers, and governments.
Convention No. 88
The Employment Service Convention (No. 88) ensures there is a network of public employment offices that are cost-free and open to everyone who needs support.
Convention No. 181
The Private Employment Agencies Convention (No. 181) establishes the framework for the registration, licensing, and effective regulation of private employment agencies.
Ratification resources
How to ratify Employment Services Conventions
Why ratify Convention No. 88
Why ratify Convention No. 181
FAQs on Employment Services Conventions
Contact
The ILO supports Member States and constituents to strengthen their capacity to develop, implement, and monitor employment services and active labour market policies.
Contact [email protected] for more information.
Learn more about
Topic portal
Employment promotion
Portal
Employment Policy Action Facility
EMPLAB
Employment, Labour Markets, and Youth Branch
ILO Employment Policy, Job Creation and Livelihoods Department