This report examines existing labor market policies in APEC member economies and analyzed their response to the worldwide recession to lessen the hardships experienced by unemployed workers and their families. It documents recent increases in unemployment, describes existing programs and outlines the new initiatives that were introduced to lessen the hardships experienced by the unemployed.

The report summarizes five passive labor market programs that provide income support to unemployed persons and their families. The performance of these programs is assessed and suggestions are made to broaden their scope and effectiveness.
 

• Introduction
• I. Recent Changes in Unemployment
• II. Passive Income Support Programs
• III. Active Labor Market Measures
• IV. Policy Recommendations
• V. Conclusions