Labour Market and Social Policies in the Baltic Countries

Provides detailed information and policy recommendations in five topical areas: labor law; "active" and "passive" labor market policies; pension reform; long-term care of the elderly; and social assistance benefits as a last resort. The Baltic States - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - have made impressive progress since the early 1990s. They have now almost completed their preparations for accession to the EU. Most elements of labor market and social policy have been thoroughly reformed over the past decade. This OECD Policy Review analyses the key issues facing each country given its specific economic and social trends. Draws both positive and negative policy lessons from OECD experience. Also identifies Baltic policy initiatives, such as pension reforms, which are more advanced than those adopted in most OECD countries. In employment policy, a paramount goal must be to improve the institutional framework for innovation and job creation. Social spending needs to be contained because taxes and social insurance contributions are relatively high, placing a heavy burden on employment.Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Staff is the author of 'Labour Market and Social Policies in the Baltic Countries' with ISBN 9789264100060 and ISBN 9264100067.