Public employment programmes at the intersection of employment and social protection policies

This report explains and discusses how Public Employment Programs (PEPs) are inherently integrated initiatives often situated at the intersection of employment and social protection policies. It argues that the primary focus on either job creation or income security has significant implications for their design, as there may be important trade-offs between these objectives. This focus also impacts other elements of these programs, including their contribution to broader policy goals such as labour market transformation, the provision of assets and services, and their ability to mitigate environmental degradation and climate change impacts. The report examines how specific design features and country contexts can influence the emphasis on employment, social protection, and broader policy objectives. It also provides guidance on designing these programs to achieve their various types of objectives simultaneously.