Unemployment and employment policy

Abstract

Unemployment and workforce employment are a central concern and a source of anxiety due to the threat they pose to the fabric of society and the foundations of its security and peace. The problem of employment has become a priority in the social and economic policies of various countries. This increased attention is driven by several factors, including: the globalization of the economy and the liberalization of international trade and their negative impacts on labor markets; the implementation of economic reform programs and the privatization of public sector institutions, accompanied by layoffs; the growing number of economically active people (those reaching working age) and the rising rates of women entering the labor market; the impact of rapid technological advancements on work; and the growing emphasis on human rights, particularly the right to work.

The world is currently experiencing rapid and increasing development in all aspects of economic, social, political, and scientific life. These changes have altered the criteria for measuring national wealth. Whereas it was once measured by the value of a country's natural resources and wealth, it is now measured by the productivity of its human resources and its capacity to produce high-quality products. Individuals have resorted to using scientific knowledge, skills, and modern practical methods to enhance competitiveness in the workplace and production, aiming to achieve global quality standards.

The discussions contained in the 1998 International Labour Organization report "World Employment" on policy measures to increase competitiveness, growth and employment in a global economy that is increasingly based on globalization, and on the increasing importance of the vital role played by a highly skilled and educated workforce, raise the question of the extent to which the education and skill levels of the workforce can respond to existing aspirations in order to achieve the goals of promoting economic and social growth and the ever-increasing population. Perhaps it is necessary to clarify some of the characteristics that should be addressed when discussing the workforce.