Focuses on various public sector job creation programs in eight industrialized countries. Each is examined from the following perspectives: objectives and target groups; sponsors and projects; participants; organization; time limits, training and wages; effects of these programs; and policy implications. (CT)

Intergovernmental and governmental measures to promote local employment initiatives are underway in Europe. Local authorities are assuming responsibility for economic development in their areas, and the private sector is providing direct or indirect support. (SK)

The Swedish government guarantees young people jobs under two programs: Youth Opportunities and Youth Teams. Both rely largely on local authorities as employers of last resort. Smaller-scale schemes that offer incentives to employers who provide jobs to unemployed youth have also been tried. These programs have resulted in a marked decline in…

Drawing on his long experience of Africa, the author discusses what needs to be done and what needs to be avoided to ensure that labor-intensive special public works programs yield tangible and lasting results. (Author)

Defines "disadvantaged youth" and reviews vocational training and employment programs designed for them. Finds that these activities tend to favor the relatively privileged rather than those with the greatest need. (SK)

Examines changes in economic conditions and policy that have influenced special employment programs. Reviews and assesses public works programs, job creation, subsidized schemes, self-employment, and welfare-oriented programs. Discusses two critical issues: targeting and program duration. (SK)

Assesses the major claims and counterclaims in the debate on the desirability of attaching work-related obligations to the receipt of welfare benefits. Attempts to reach a balanced judgment on whether labor policy should continue moving in that direction. (JOW)

Applies international labor standards to results of the International Labour Office's special public works programs to discover whether program intentions have been met. Finds that while productive employment has been pursued, popular participation is not occurring and such issues as (1) forced labor, (2) child employment, and (3) inequality of…

Despite evidence linking youth unemployment to labor market conditions rather than poor educational preparation, British policies have focused on education and training. Hard-core youth unemployment needs a wide range of policies concerned with the economic, social, and physical context. (SK)

Deals with some of the problems (and reasons for the problems) which school-leavers and young workers encounter in their search for jobs or training places. Measures taken or envisaged in a number of countries to alleviate the problems are also reviewed. (SH)

Analysis of 101 projects in 7 public works programs (PWPs) in Western Cape Province in the mid-1990s estimated the public expenditure needed to transfer resources to the poor. Comparison of the result with that generated by a hypothetical, untargeted transfer showed that most of the PWPs outperform the benchmarks. (Contains 26 references.) (JOW)

Because of high unemployment, western European governments have created temporary employment, provided on-the-job training, and helped the unemployed set up businesses. The authors examine initiatives to illustrate types of employment programs and discuss how the schemes are designed, implemented, and financed by looking at structure, content, and…

This article draws on the findings of seven country studies of youth employment programs in Africa (Botswana, Somalia, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Mauritius). Considered are public service/public works programs, agricultural development, employable skills development and vocationalization of education, and national youth services. (SK)

This special issue contains nine articles on labor-intensive public works, social investment funds, rural infrastructure projects, grassroots socioeconomic rights, remuneration systems for self-help projects, road construction and rural transport, employment and environmental rehabilitation, and water as a source of employment. (SK)