Adapting to a new world of work

The ILO is mandated to promote “full, productive, and freely chosen employment” as stated in the Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122), which calls upon States to declare and pursue an active policy designed to promote full and productive employment as a major goal while taking into account the stage and level of economic development and the mutual relationships between employment objectives and other economic and social objectives, as well as national circumstances.

An employment policy as envisioned by the ILO is not ‘just’ a social policy to fight against unemployment, but an integrated policy framework that aims to influence the content of economic, sectoral and social policies. It is negotiated through active social dialogue to address inequalities and promote a fair distribution of wealth.

Public employment services have a central role in implementing national employment policies, fostering recovery from crises and to ensure efficient and well-functioning labour markets. The ILO's Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88) calls on governments to maintain a free nationwide public employment service, promoting a human-centred approach based on decent work principles and by standing for inclusiveness in the labour market.

To support optimally functioning labour markets, and to help prevent abusive and exploitative practices in labour recruiting, the ILO encourages Member States to ratify and implement the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181). Private employment agencies can offer critical support to employers and workers in adapting to economic crises and changes, assisting them in redeploying resources and navigating job transitions.