Role of the NES in implementation of employment strategy and active labour market policy

1. Active labour market policy

Active labour market policy is an important element within the National and European Employment Strategy. Instead of the political standpoint which dominated in the second half of the 20 th century and which included direct state interventions in the labour market, the model of various forms of flexibility (concerning the establishing of the salary scale, working hours etc.) has been promoted.

2. Reform pillars

Starting from the strategic goals of the EU Employment Policy, the National Employment Strategy defines the need for the overall modernization of the system of service providing, methodology of work and business culture within the NES. In order to develop the efficient and effective system of service providing and transformation of the NES into a modern public service, it has been planned that four interdependent reform pillars are fully in place until 2010:

• Focusing on clients’ needs
• Decentralization
• Development of monitoring and evaluation
• Development of the appropriate labour market information system

Mission of the National Employment Service:

To increase the competitiveness and employability of labour force and employment through the system of active labour market policy measures.

1. General objectives:

1.1. Increase in the competitiveness and employability of labour force.

One of the priority objectives in fulfilling the mission is development of the labour force, which should enable dynamic and sustainable economic development based on knowledge and integration of research, entrepreneurship and life-long education and learning. Changes in the working methods will have an increasing effect on the demand for workers with new knowledge, skills and ability to adapt to the ever-changing environment.

1.2. Prevention of long-term unemployment and social exclusion

Given that there are differences in unemployment rates within various groups of population, one of the priority objectives of the NES should be development of specific programmes and methods of work which should enable those who fall into groups with higher unemployment rate or who are prone to long-term unemployment to get included in the labour market. The employability of an unemployed person depends on his/her individual characteristics and job supply in certain occupation, which also defines the risk of long-term unemployment. The type and level of support should be tailored according to individual needs, with intensive support to those who are more prone to the risk of long-term unemployment, either because of their inadequate qualifications or because of the influence of physical and socio-psychological factors.

2. Specific objectives:

• Improvement of quality and timeliness of services provided to employers and job seekers.
• Resources management according to the objectives defined in the Employment Strategy and the Action Plan.
• Development of the new model of services and work organization, which treats the employers and job seekers as active and dynamic service users.
• Adjustment of the programmes and measures of active employment policy to the clients’ needs.
• Proactive role in development of the local employment strategies and programmes.

Change directions  

1. Increase in the NES participation in the labour and service market:
   • Establishing contacts with employers
   • Cooperation with private agencies and social partners
   • Development of self-service system
   • Public relatio
2. Individualization of services:
   • “Profiling” of job seekers and matching of supply and demand
   • Development of individual employment plans
3. Development of process model of services and separation of passive measures realized throught:
   • Development of process model of services according to the principles of careerquidance and counselling
   • Organizational structure of the Service and separation of passive measures
4. Development of Human Resources Management System
5. Establishing of Quality Management System
6. Establishing of Quality Management System
7. Development of information system