What’s on the agenda of the PES Network in 2022?

The PES Network Work Programme 2022 sets out the key activities of the network under four thematic strands: recovery and structural changes; PES service delivery; PES performance management; and PES visibility and partnerships. Key topics will include the twin labour market transitions of ‘greening’ and ‘digitalisation’.

This coming year will see 17 PES benchmarking assessments, a new task force on digitalisation and a 2022 Stakeholder Conference on ‘Jointly addressing labour and skills shortages’. There will be further opportunities for learning and exchange between PES on topics including support to recovery, new forms of service delivery, support to employers and anti-discrimination in formats ranging from working groups to webinars and from workshops to mutual assistance projects.

Work on greening will build on the recently published PES Network position paper on ‘Greening the labour market’. The paper presents reflections on the labour market impact of greening and the potential contribution of PES in addressing related challenges. It also contributes to discussions on how European and national policies could better address these challenges. It reflects on green jobs, skills needs, skills development, active labour market programmes and the crucial role of PES and partnerships in this field.

The new Work Programme builds on the successful year of activities set out in the PES Network Annual Report 2021. This was a year described by Johannes Kopf, Chair of the PES Network as “another demanding year for Public Employment Services across the EU, but also a year of hope and innovation” and one in which the “PES Network has once again confirmed its flexibility and strength.”

PES Network activities in 2021 were characterised by on-line formats, with a priority on immediate actions and short-term recovery in the face of the pandemic, including exchanges around support to youth and support to vulnerable groups. Activities also helped PES to prepare for the longer-term changes associated with greening and digitalisation. Another highlight of the year was the launch of PESPod – the new podcast of the PES Network.

Interested to follow the PES Network’s progress on these key topics in 2022? Sign up to receive the PES Network newsletter published four times a year!