Public spending on labour market programmes refers to government expenditure on policies aimed at supporting jobseekers and improving labour market outcomes.
It includes spending on public employment services (PES), training, employment incentives (such as hiring subsidies and job creation), and out-of-work income maintenance (such as unemployment benefits). PES covers placement services, benefit administration and related costs. Training includes classroom-based and on-the-job learning. Employment incentives refer to recruitment or retention support. Income maintenance includes various unemployment benefit schemes. Data are drawn from programme budgets and the accounts of implementing agencies.
This indicator is measured as a percentage of GDP.
