Beschreibung

"Over the last two or three decades, both macro- and micro-studies have greatly improved our understanding of labour market institutions. Methodological developments and the supply of better data have contributed to this. At the same time, empirical evidence has also influenced the design of labour market reforms themselves, not least in the area of active labour market policies and activation. We have learned a lot about the interdependence of policies and the crucial role of interactions that need to be observed when trying to influence the functioning of labour markets. While the broader institutional set-up of labour markets, comprising wage setting, the tax/benefit system, employment protection or training regimes plays an important role with respect to employment and unemployment rates, well-designed active labour market policies can also make a positive difference. However, short-run effects of ALMP measures are rather low and active labour market policy can only contribute a little to reducing structural unemployment." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))