# The OECD suggests turning from benefits to child care structures
The OECD recommends that the Greek government change the mix of employment-stimulating measures, turning the resources from welfare policy into long-term measures. In a report presented in Paris, the Agency notes that despite its decline, unemployment remains high, while the employment gap between men and women is large. It proposes shifting costs from birth grants to childcare structures, more training instead of job subsidies, and strengthening paternal leave to increase female employment.
Analyticalally:
By Kostas Katikos
Recommendations to change the mix in employment-stimulating measures addressed to the government by proposing a shift from welfare policy to other long-term measures leading to a further fall in unemployment
Although unemployment has declined, it remains high compared to other OECD countries, it refers to the Agency's report on growth and competitiveness presented earlier this morning in Paris.
The report records the reform performance of OECD Member States by classifying Greece in the countries where reforms have moved in recent years in several sectors of the economy.
However, there are still shortcomings in accessing quality training while the gap in employment rates between men and women remains high.
In particular to increase women's employment, the OECD proposes redirecting costs from birth support grants to increasing funding for quality child care.
The gap in employment rates between men and women remains large and women's participation in the labour force, although improving, remains among the lowest says the OECD and adds: "The best balance between working and family life would facilitate women's access to the labour market, increasing skills supply. However, child care structures are limited, as spending is directed more towards birth grants than services."
The recommendations it makes to the government to increase women's employment are as follows:
1. Improve access to affordable and quality childcare, shifting public spending from birth grants to care structures.
2. Further strengthen awareness campaigns on gender stereotypes and equality certifications in enterprises.
3. Introduction of incentives to exploit the new paid paternal leave, such as longer overall leave duration or higher allowances when fathers use it.
With regard to the further reduction of unemployment, it is proposed, inter alia, to redistribute 'high support for direct job creation for more training and counselling for the unemployed'. In practice, the OECD says to give more money for training and less for job subsidies, pointing out that "adult skills are lagging behind other countries and participation in training is low." Skill shortages are high and increasing, preventing business growth and innovation the OECD says. However, it does not fail to add that although targeted training for the unemployed through the Public Employment Service (PSI) has improved, limited funding for active employment policies has reduced further progress.
The recommendations it makes to further reduce unemployment are as follows:
1. Redistribution of high support for direct job creation for more training and counselling for the unemployed.
2. Extend targeted training checks so that adults can participate in long-term programmes and provide institutionalised education licenses.
3. Ensure the quality of training providers through regular evaluations and improved certifications.
