This ISSA Technical Seminar, focusing on tackling shortage occupations in the labour market through modern policy making, will take place in Brussels, Belgium, 15–16 May 2024. It is hosted by the National Employment Office (Office national de l’emploi – ONEM) of Belgium, and organized in collaboration with the Technical Commission on Employment Policies and Unemployment Insurance. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy and Employment Pierre-Yves Dermagne will inaugurate the event, which coincides with the Belgian presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The latest ISSA Guidelines on the Promotion of Sustainable Employment include a section on responding to emerging challenges in the labour market. The job market is undergoing significant structural changes influenced by factors such as globalization, demographic shifts, technological advancement, ecological concerns, climate considerations and health developments. On one hand, the transformative impact of technological advancement and digitalization is restructuring job profiles. On the other hand, some occupations are disappearing while new ones emerging, often shaped by climate and ecological challenges.
As demonstrated in these guidelines, the study of shortage occupations is vital for anticipating labour market needs, promoting ongoing training, preparing for job transformations, and building resilience in times of crises. The guidelines underscore the significance of proactive measures, collaboration with diverse stakeholders, and the development of flexible frameworks to ensure sustainable employment and support workforce adaptability to evolving market demands.
In light of these considerations, this technical seminar will provide an overview of the nature and status of labour shortage challenges, along with innovative policy strategies to address the gaps. It will address the following questions:
- What are the prevailing dynamics of labour shortages? Are they primarily quantitative or qualitative in nature?
- Can we determine the local and global labour market trends that influence future shortages and challenges?
- How can policy designs and social security measures contribute to bridging gaps in the labour market?
The working languages will be English, French and Spanish, and it is open to representatives of ISSA member institutions involved in employment policies and unemployment insurance, as well as other invited participants. There is no registration fee for ISSA members.