This paper was presented to a meeting of the Wellington Exchange, an international group of higher education officials, in December 2008. One of the topics of the meeting was around the issue of possible skills shortages emerging as a result of demographic trends, with the ageing of the population of developed countries. The paper argues that this…

There are many uncertainties about the magnitude and nature of labor shortages. Data needed to identify and quantify shortages are not available from national statistical offices so most of what is known comes from employer reports. (JOW)

There is not enough evidence to conclude either that many college graduates are employed in jobs that do not require a degree or that there is a shortage of college graduates in the labor market. (JOW)

This report attempts to clarify several retirement issues, focusing on (1) the extent to which labor force participation rates can be used to assess retirement decisions; (2) the impact on the elderly of the 1978 Amendments to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; and (3) the true causes of nonparticipation among current retirees. (SK)

Contends that a continued increase in labor force requirements which previously was satisfied by a reduction of farm labor needs, increased workforce participation of women, and a cyclic baby boom, will result in a future labor shortage. Offers a rationale for training and providing support services for the unemployed. (DMM)

Demand for registered nurses is changing in a managed care environment and wages are likely to decrease. These trends will affect nursing school enrollments, and schools will need to monitor market conditions and adjust policies accordingly. (SK)

Discusses an International Labour Organization program based on scenario-building, regular reporting on labor markets, indicators of imbalances in labor supply and demand, and extension of manpower assessment and planning to the informal sector. Looks at progress, areas calling for action, and outstanding tasks. (JOW)

Data suggest that it is premature to conclude that management has succeeded in appropriating workers' knowledge, accountability, and responsibility for work. The labor market has become fluid and dynamic and no longer conforms to the traditional construct of an internal labor market. A refinement of labor process theory is in order. (JOW)

The job market should be considered as interaction between supply and demand, and not from the perspective of new and emerging occupations. Three recent major post-World War II changes in the human resources posture have tended to create labor surpluses: shift from rural South to urban North, increased number of working women, and the postwar baby…

In an overview of the main factors that have contributed to the currently high rates of unemployment in OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries, the author examines in particular labor supply; structural and technological change; the functioning of the labor market; and macroeconomic policies. (Author/CT)

Presents an overview of historical trends for selected labor market indicators (unemployment rates, labor force participation rates, and employment-population ratios) for teenagers and young adults, with an analysis of these trends by race and sex. Reviews current explanations for the labor market problems confronting young people. (LRA)

This article presents a brief account of some of the new directions that manpower planning has taken in recent years viewed primarily in the light of activities undertaken by the International Labour Office technical cooperation program in this field. (Author/CT)

Summarizes findings and ongoing research based on survey interviews of three National Longitudinal Survey youth cohorts. (LRA)

Describes recent research efforts to document the size of the illegal alien population and its economic and societal impact. Discusses legislative and other federal responses to the problem. (SK)

A study examined the factors influencing the participation in the labor market of 150 women with young children, including their aims, training needs, and constraints. Their self-perceived employment needs were related to the policies and practices of employers and trade unions. (JOW)