The OECD’s annual report on prospects for labor markets in OECD countries and related issues. This issue contains: Women At Work: Who Are They And How Are They Faring? One of the most profound labor market developments in OECD countries over the past few decades has been the continued progress made by women. Nonetheless, a substantial gender employment gap remains in many countries—particularly for less-educated women and mothers—and women continue to earn less than men. Taking The Measure Of Temporary Employment The share of workers in temporary jobs varies greatly among OECD countries, ranging from one in three in Spain to one in twenty in the United Kingdom and the United States. Workers in temporary jobs have lower pay than permanent workers and are less able to access some key fringe benefits and employer-provided training; however, many are able to move into permanent jobs over a relatively short time span. The Ins And Outs Of Long-Term Unemployment Successful measures to tackle broadly defined long-term unemployment should make it possible to bring more people into the labor force. A key question is whether the policy emphasis should be on preventing or on curing long-term unemployment. Can statistical profiling of the unemployed help resolve this dilemma? How can the “carousel” effects that promote recurrent unemployment be avoided? And The Twain Shall Meet: Cross-Market Effects Of Product And Labor Market Policies Product market regulations appear to affect workers’ employment opportunities, wages, and job security. Similarly, wage bargaining structures and employment protection rules affect the incentives for business to invest in new technologies. Effective coordination of labor and product market policies may contribute to better outcomes in both markets.
