How can employment services better connect people to jobs in a complex, decentralised system? Italy has made major investments to expand employment support, including through its Garanzia di Occupabilità dei Lavoratori programme, which is on track to provide employment services to 3 million jobseekers. The system combines personalised support through profiling tools and harmonised pathways with a diverse network of providers, strengthened digital platforms and strong regional engagement.
This report examines how stronger public-private partnerships can build on the current system, to drive up service quality, reduce regional variation and improve co-ordination and governance. Drawing on detailed analysis of national and regional programmes, extensive stakeholder consultations and OECD best practice, it presents a new model for contracted-out employment services in Italy.
The new model seeks to improve provider market structure, strengthen incentives and accountability, and make better use of digital systems and data to support jobseekers and employers. It contains practical approaches to enhancing service quality, expanding capacity and ensuring more consistent delivery across regions, while respecting Italy’s decentralised governance.
The report offers actionable recommendations for policymakers to build a more effective, resilient and inclusive employment support system in Italy, with broader lessons for public-private employment service delivery across the OECD.
