The effectiveness of employment policies: Analysis and comparison of selected countries' implementations

The phenomenon of unemployment that is conceptualized with industrialization is an important problem that threatens the economic and social dynamics of today's societies. Hence, today's societies take various steps to prevent or eliminate the negative effects of unemployment. One of these steps is - undoubtedly - known as employment policies. Traditional employment policies, known as unemployment benefits, matching and consultancy services, wage and employment subsidies, vocational training programs and direct employment programs, have become widespread especially in Europe and the world since the 1980s. Simultaneously, the number of studies examining the impacts of these policies has also increased. The aim of this study is to determine which policies produce successful results and to develop applicable suggestions for Turkey. To this end, theoretical information on the subject is given in the First Chapter. In the Second and Third Chapters some countries that are generally accepted as successful in the implementation of these policies and Turkey have been holistically analysed with a historical perspective. Then, in the Fourth Chapter, impact studies on employment policies implemented in these countries were compiled and analysed. More than one conclusion was reached at the end of the review: (1) The decrease in the duration and amount of unemployment benefits creates a threat effect on the participants and plays an important role in reducing unemployment. (2) Active employment policies other than direct employment programs show various positive impacts, but there may be situations where these programs can be ineffective or negative. When designing these programs, the lock-in and deadweight loss effects should be taken into consideration. (3) Studies on the multi-stage New Deal for Young People program in the UK show that this multi-stage program has had positive effects. It is seen that job search supports and employment incentive programs play an important role in the successful results of these programs.