Towards Full and Decent Employment

While the international community has made a commitment to achieving full employment, this goal seems ever more distant in view of recent trends such as growing unemployment, underemployment and the phenomenon of jobless growth. This book also breaks new ground in seeking fresh solutions. Employment creation is the key link in ensuring that economic growth contributes to poverty reduction, with management of technological change playing a crucial role. While the recent trend towards greater labour flexibility seems irresistible, recent experience suggests some options for also ensuring decent work and economic security. Alternative macroeconomic policy priorities can also make a difference. New approaches to social security, the informal economy, the welfare state and rural employment in Africa are explored.