Public service employment is a cost-effective fiscal remedy in terms of jobs created within the first 12 months. Its effectiveness is enhanced if participants come from welfare or unemployment compensation programs. Other positive attributes are low inflationary impact and ability to be targeted to areas or groups. (SK)

The author argues that market churning in good and bad times alike assures that most job searches will ultimately be successful. But many of these jobs--and thus the success of the job search--are very temporary. Just how much is gained by improving job search success is subject to question. (CT)

Meaningful employment is often the key to clients' fulfillment of personal and environmental needs, yet few social workers are prepared to help clients find jobs. Social workers should be trained in the skills of vocational intervention. (Author)

The purpose of this study was to determine characteristics of the disadvantaged client and of the Concentrated Employment Program (CEP) which related to the successful vocational training and placement of 150 unemployed public assistance recipients who were served by the San Antonio Concentrated Employment Program. (Editor)

Describes the Community Corrections Center - a minimum security area with a program consisting of six components: (1) orientation; (2) preemployment training; (3) nonprogram groups and services; (4) job development and placement; (5) placement follow-up-residential; and, (6) placement/program follow-up non-residential. (Author)

Perceptions, attitudes, and job outcomes of participants in four British preemployment government-sponsored training programs were compared (78 job club, 95 work-based training, 52 Jobplan, 106 New Deal) were compared. Respondents in job club and work-based training had positive reactions and consequently got more jobs. Responses will provide…

A comparison of data on the types of people who benefitted and lost from the provision of Australian labor market programs found that funding favors people with disadvantaged work histories and lower income. However, only 5-12 percent achieve continuing employment as a result of program participation. (JOW)

Interviews with 115 British job seekers explored the effectiveness of New Deal 25 Plus, a reformed government initiative for long-term unemployed. The program, especially one-to-one support, better addresses some aspects of the employability gap. However, to overcome long-term labor market detachment requires stronger commitment to training in…

A new Dutch training program prepares school dropouts as assistants, enabling them to work at low-skilled jobs and prepare for continued study. Regional training centers are still seeking workable instructional models for the program. Greater emphasis should be placed on the relationship between this initial training and future training. (Contains…

The study attempted to identify activities performed by 47 job developers that positively or negatively influenced job placement. Variance in job placement was influenced by marketing activities, available job development time, use of specific client assessment procedures, frequency of use of trial job placements, and gender of the job developers.…

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)

Describes program innovations to keep older workers employed: retraining, job sharing, flexible working hours, job redesign, and phased retirement. Addresses costs and savings, disincentives for workers and employers, and future trends. (SK)

The impact of the Employment Action Pilot Project on employable immigrants on welfare in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada), was studied with 24 immigrant clients, 15 single-parent female immigrants, and over 300 comparisons. Significant differences were not found between program and comparison groups. Impacts other than cost-effectiveness are discussed.…

The problem of measuring impacts of employment and training programs when workers not receiving services are affected by the program is explored, using a reemployment bonus program as an example. The conventional measures of bonus impacts may significantly overestimate the net impact of the bonus offer. (SLD)

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)