The economic crisis has destabilised working conditions for workers around the world. Young and older workers are particularly affected.
Along with throwing millions of people out of work, the crisis is accelerating the shift from secure employment towards temporary and contract work.
A long period of unemployment can cripple someone’s future employability. That’s why we need everybody to take action to address the issue of skills training. This requires joint participation of governments, trade unions, private employers, public institutions, schools and training providers. Coordinated commitment is particularly important to ensure a just transition to sustainable ‘green’ jobs.
I recently attended a Global Dialogue forum hosted by the International Labour Organisation, which looked at ways to address current and future skills across different job sectors. The ILO has been asked to prepare a training strategy for consideration at the upcoming G20 ministerial meeting in Washington, DC.
Forum participants agreed that developing countries need the support of other countries and social partners to address training challenges. And, that governments and private employers must contribute adequate investment to training plans. Participants also called on G20 labour and employment ministers to advocate for sectoral approaches in training. Further, training initiatives must consider the needs of local and regional labour markets.
Ensuring people are equipped with the new skills necessary to address changing labour market requirements is crucial for economic recovery. Investing in public services skills training should be a priority in this effort.
Peter Waldorff, PSI General Secretary
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