Guide to private employment agencies: An updated publication
English
ILO
The International Labour Organization is the tripartite U.N. agency that promotes Decent Work through employment, social security, labour standards and social dialogue. Its work on skills development is guided by the conceptual framework on Skills to improve productivity, employment growth, and development agreed in 2008 by representatives of Governments, Employers’ Associations and Workers’ Associations. Research, policy advice, and pilot projects and technical cooperation programmes to apply good practices in different circumstances across its 185 member States aims to boost the employability of workers, the productivity and competitiveness of enterprises, and the inclusiveness of economic growth. The ILO Secretariat in offices in 40 countries works with Ministries of Labour, employers’ organizations, and trade unions to integrate skills development into national and sector development strategies in order to better meet current labour market needs and to prepare for the jobs of the future; to expand access to employment-related training so that youth, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups are better able to acquire skills and secure productive and decent work; and to improve the ability of public employment services to provide career guidance, maintain labour exchange services, and deliver active labour market programmes.For more information regarding the ILO’s work on skills and employability go to: http://www.ilo.org/skills/lang--en/index.htm; for ILO/Cinterfor's Knowledge Management Plarform, see: http://www.oitcinterfor.org
Governance and coordination mechanisms
Effective governance and coordination are key elements of successful skill systems. Whilst coordination is an important factor, it needs to operate alongside other key conditions to strengthen governance. When multi-level governance is supported by effective communication, sustainable financing and effective coordination, it has the best chance of supporting the establishment of a lifelong learning ecosystem that enables individuals and enterprises to more effectively navigate the world of work and learning.
Private Employment Agencies (PrEAs) are becoming ever more central to connecting employers with jobseekers, boosting labour market responsiveness, and working with public employment services. Yet, without the right safeguards, their growing role also poses risks - from unfair recruitment to workers’ rights violations. To address these challenges and opportunities, the ILO is launching an updated Guide to Private Employment Agencies.
The Guide is an essential resource for governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, policymakers, and practitioners worldwide and underscores the importance of fair recruitment, social dialogue, and adaptable regulatory systems that reflect local realities while responding to global labour trends.
Time: 28 October 2025 at 14:00 (Europe/Zurich (UTC+02:00))
Register here to participate: https://ilo-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Rg8oyVT-Sl-rf3r--sg_nQ#/registration
For more information: https://www.ilo.org/meetings-and-events/guide-private-employment-agencies-updated-publication