The 2008 financial crisis marked the beginning of a prolonged and ongoing period of extreme economic turbulence that has created multiple challenges for both governments and national systems of labour administration. Difficult economic conditions are encouraging a reevaluation of established policies and institutions in the areas of labour, employment, social protection and industrial relations. This book analyses recent reforms in labour administration and national labour policies, charting their development and discussing the challenges and opportunities faced by governments, ministries of labor, labor inspectors, employer organizations and trade unions.The contributors draw upon new and original research to explore issues including labour law, public employment services, labour inspection and industrial relations. They evaluate the effectiveness of implementation, addressing questions relating to the structure and management of labour ministries, regulatory bodies and the resources that they have at their disposal. Future prospects for labor administration are also considered.

This book will prove a thought-provoking read for academics, researchers and students of economics - particularly labour economics, social policy and public administration. Policy-makers and practitioners involved with labor administration at any level will also find this book to be an invaluable reference tool.

Contributors: N. Countouris, M. Freedland, J. Heyes, R. Hyman, C.T. King, D. Koeltz, M. Luz Vega, L. Rychly, J.T. Weishaupt