How and why are Public Employment Services increasingly supporting employers?

A recent PES Network Webinar highlighted how Europe’s PES have been increasingly prioritising their work to support employers  – a process that in many countries started a long time ago, but which has clearly accelerated in recent years.

Key drivers of this change in approach include important shifts in labour market dynamics in Europe. PES are operating in a new context, with an EU average unemployment rate of 6.2% - the lowest in many years – but increasing issues around labour and skills shortages in Europe, some of which are linked with the labour market disruptions of COVID-19.

Participants observed that the concept of attractiveness has become increasingly important, not just at the level of individual companies, but for whole sectors of activity. More and more advisory services are not just about matching jobseekers with employers, but about how to retain employees.

The nearly 300 webinar participants had the opportunity to learn more about the latest PES delivery models and tools, from one-stop shops to specialised counsellors and both on-site and online services. In all cases, these approaches belong to an overall strategy and a broader menu of activities within PES. It was clear that the pandemic has triggered innovation, which can endure afterwards.

Other messages included the value of structured cooperation with employers’ organisations for operationalising the support being offered, the need to challenge mindsets towards the inclusion of vulnerable groups and the importance of proactive outreach and personal relationships, even in a digitalised world.

Interested to know more about the discussions? Watch the webinar recording online.