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
ILO strengthens capacity of national employment services centres in Indonesia through specialized training on counselling techniques
Ratifying and implementing C122, C88 and C181
Adapting to a new world of work
Global Report Part I: Public employment services and active labour market policies for transitions
Public employment services have a central role in responding to crises and fostering recovery to ensure efficient and well-functioning labour markets. This first global report by the ILO on public employment services explores their role in mitigating the labour market disruptions stemming from crises.
Publications
#RatifyC88 #RatifyC181
Factsheet: Ratification of ILO Employment Services Conventions
Step by step guide
How to ratify ILO Conventions No. 88 on Employment Services and No. 181 on Private Employment Agencies
Global Report Part I
Public employment services and active labour market policies for transitions: Responses to mega trends and crises
Guides and tools
PES Diagnostic tool and guide
Public employment services (PES) are core labour market institutions, facilitating labour market participation to achieve full employment.
The ILO's PES diagnostic tool and guide helps PES identify areas they excel at, and helps determine potential opportunities for closing gaps and adapting to rapid changes in the labour market.
Building your future at work
The ILO's Building my future at work collection is a set of guides to support young people to manage their professional life in the constantly changing world of work.
Handbook for employment and career development counsellors
As part of the ILO's Building my future at work collection, this handbook provides employment counsellors with the tools needed to meet the new challenges of the labour market.
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 employmentservices@ilo.org for more information.
Learn more about
Employment promotion
Employment Policy Action Facility
EMPLAB
Employment, Labour Markets, and Youth Branch
ILO Employment Policy, Job Creation and Livelihoods Department