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
Conference highlights need for enhanced motivational support in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s employment services
Strategic workshop for building the capacity of employment counsellors in Mauritius
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.
Most recent publications
Digital transformation in employment policies
Honoring Heroes in the Fight Against Child Labour
Unveiling Champions Against Child Labour in Kenya and Uganda
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
Topic portal
Employment promotion
Employment Policy Action Facility
EMPLAB
Employment, Labour Markets, and Youth Branch
ILO Employment Policy, Job Creation and Livelihoods Department