Western Europe and the U. S.: What We Ire Doing and What We Know

Abstract

University of Wisconsin. The authors wish to thank Orley Ashenfelter, Irwin Garfinkel, and John Palmer for helpful comments on an earlier This paper examines the theory and empirical work relating to programs of direct job creation in Western industrialized countries. After an introductory section which discusses the historical context in which these programs have emerged, the paper looks at the possible forms such measures might take. Public employment is considered in the guises of special public service jobs, public works, and training and sheltered employment. Possible types of wage subsidy schemes include earnings supplements, wage ~ subsidies, and wage bill subsidies. The nature of existing schemes in the U.S. and Western Europe is outlined in section 2