1. Labour Office of the Czech Republic From a decentralized to a fully centralized model of PES: The Czech experience

2. 1 General Directorate (Prague) 14 regional offices (NUTS 3) with 242 executive branches

3. Prague – the seat of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs

4. Prague – the seat of the Labour Office of the Czech Republic: General Directorate

5. Development of the number of vacancies and unemployed persons Vacancies / unemployed (in thousands)

6. Unemployment rates in NUTS 4 regions - July 2014 Up to 4,99 % 5,00 – 7,99 % 8,00 – 10,99 % 11,00 % and over Unemployment rate NUTS 4 borders NUTS 3 borders State border

7. Unemployment rates in NUTS 3 regions - July 2014 5,00 – 7,99 % 8,00 – 10,99 % Unemployment rate NUTS 4 borders NUTS 3 borders State border

8. Staff numbers (nationwide) throughout the history of PES

9. The birth of public employment services It all began in 1989… Velvet revolution (fall of the communist regime) Changes in legislation – no obligation to work Rapid changes in economy Unemployment as a new problem in society

10. The birth of public employment services 77 autonomous Labour Offices coordinated by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs Leaders had free hands to run their offices, high level of committment High degree of flexibility, limitation of red tape Service able to rapidly respond to labour market needs

11. 2004 – First changes Change of public administration model LO took over some state social support responsibilities First signs from Ministry that coordinating 77 subjects is complicated – much discussion about possible solutions

12. 2010 – The „new“ PES Parliamential elections – right wing coalition established Sudden centralisation of PES, rapid legislation changes 1 Labour Office: General Directorate managing 14 regional offices (divided into 262 local branches)

13. 2010 – The „new“ PES Insufficient staff allocations for the new PES Budget cuts throughout public administration No shift of current competences and responsibilities More workload for PES – takeover of all payments of state social benefits Change of IT systems Limited means of PES to provide services

14. Labour Office of the Czech Republic today A fully centralized model Rigid, limited ability for timely response to the labour market Key forward-facing decision (2013) to return a part of the decision making capacities back to the regions Decisions should be made on an optimal level depending on the type of decision Active labour market policies and communication with employers back to the regions Advisory boards in the regions Finding a solution to IT problems

15. Thank you for your attention Marie Bílková General Director Labour Office of the Czech Republic – General Directorate marie.bilkova@uradprace.cz