About three-quarters of current unemployment in these countries is due to deficient labor force demand. Changes in economic policy and improvement in labor mobility are necessary elements in solving the problem. (Author/SK)

Repercussions of recent economic difficulties on job content, employment levels, structure of the work force, and industrial relations are examined. The effect of new technologies on these areas is discussed. (Author/CT)

In an overview of the main factors that have contributed to the currently high rates of unemployment in OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries, the author examines in particular labor supply; structural and technological change; the functioning of the labor market; and macroeconomic policies. (Author/CT)

Analyzes the effects of the recent recession and subsequent recovery on the position of women in the labor market in four European countries (Belgium, France, Sweden, United Kingdom), and specifically, ascertains whether in general women's job opportunities were more vulnerable to the fluctuations in economic activity than those of men. (SH)

The authors contend that problems associated with rapid population growth in developing countries must be tackled through comprehensive planning. They discuss impacts of demography on labor supply and demand and migration. Then they propose a practical framework for population and human resource development planning and policy formation. (SK)

Discusses the status of rural labor and the performance of labor markets in Latin American agriculture. Points out the rapidly declining share of agriculture in the total labor force, weak capacity for creating nonagricultural employment, and rapidly increasing migration to towns. (JOW)

In the Federal Republic of Germany, temporary employment has been extensively regulated, whereas the British government has been more permissive. Despite differences in legislation, the level, distribution, and characteristics of temporary employment and workers are very similar. The number of temporary jobs has not grown as expected. (Author/SK)

Data indicate that women's experience in the labor market is substantially different from men's. Women work in different sectors for fewer hours; women have lower rates of education and literacy; and women are more likely to be unemployed, underemployed, or outside the labor force. (JOW)

Reviews the research on the effects of new technologies on employment, work, and society. Indicates that advanced technologies can reduce the cost and improve the quality and range of goods and services and can raise employment levels. Care must be taken to ensure that certain groups do not suffer disproportionately from labor force adjustments.…

Review of statistical data confirms worldwide trends: growth in services, decline in agriculture, and, in manufacturing, decline in industrialized economies but growth in developing ones. Although services are characterized by low productivity growth, certain types (such as research and development) exert positive influence on economic growth. (SK)

Recognizing that comprehensive labor force information is vital to the development of employment policy, the International Labour Organisation instituted a series of experiments to test the use of key informants at local levels to collect the information. The success of the approach requires international cooperation in providing technical…

Despite concerns that globalization will increase unemployment and wage inequality, drive down wages and labor standards, and threaten national policy autonomy, it is clear that national policies still determine employment levels and labor standards. However, the need to protect those damaged by globalization still exists. (SK)

A comparison of the incidence of atypical employment in 11 European countries shows that high rates of part-time employment mitigate unemployment, but high proportions of temporary employment seem to coincide with high unemployment. (JOW)

Examines the reasons for part-time work and characteristics of part-time workers, legislative protection, national incentives to increase access to part-time jobs, and forms of part-time work. Explores arguments for and against part-time employment. (SK)

Surveys of 900 manufacturers in Hungary and Bulgaria show that transition to a market economy is (1) marginalizing women, affected by segregation, layoff risk, and discrimination; (2) diminishing labor market role of older workers; and (3) increasing difficulties faced by youth seeking employment, whose skills do not match new employment needs.…