The competent institutions play a key role in the functioning of an efficient labour market and in achieving optimal labour participation and maximizing the socio-economic potential of the labour force. The competent institutions take initiatives that have a positive effect on labour demand and supply. To do so, they promote policies and approaches that reduce barriers, allowing the signals sent by the labour market to be integrated into the decision-making of all stakeholders.

The competent institutions encourage the reintegration of jobseekers through the correct use of both the incentive and disincentive provisions of unemployment benefit programmes.

The benefits are delivered on time and accurately.

The competent institutions ensure that benefits are adequate and provide an appropriate income to jobseekers, permitting active job-searches while avoiding unemployment traps (i.e. lack of financial gain in the case of the return to work).

The competent institutions ensure that jobseekers receive a replacement income. This provides security during transition between jobs and facilitates reintegration into the workforce. At a macro level, financial support acts as a counter-cyclical instrument in maintaining stability and demand during economic downturn.

The specific guidelines in this section are:

To ensure the rapid return to work, the competent institutions ensure effective cooperation with, and offer quality services to, employers.

The competent institutions inform and advise jobseekers about the services that are best adapted to their profile, career ambitions and needs.

The competent institutions support the professionalization of the function of job counsellors and case managers in line with the needs of the various clientele.

The competent institutions develop specific approaches to increase labour participation by vulnerable populations.

To facilitate the professional reintegration of unemployed persons, the institution develops a profile of jobseekers’ qualifications and both hard and soft skills, to determine their needs and to guide them towards the services and programmes best adapted to their situation.