Operation of labour markets important for development of small states

Conditions in labour markets in small developing states throughout the Commonwealth, and initiatives in them to develop human resources, are examined in a new Commonwealth Secretariat publication.

‘Labour Markets in Small Developing States,’ edited by Andrew Downes, Professor of Economics and University Director at the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies, University of the West Indies, identifies both general and specific constraints that can affect the abilities of such countries to build strong export economies.

In the Introduction to this book Professor Downes writes: “An important element in the development strategy for small states is the operation of the labour market.

“Several of these small developing states are, however, constrained by the availability of the human resources needed and also by structural and institutional rigidities that exist in the labour market.”

Another constraint is the migration of workers from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific to larger and more developed countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK and the USA.

Professor Downes writes that this emigration can be viewed as being beneficial to a country if the emigrants would otherwise be unemployed or working in low skill jobs.

But “if the emigrants are members of the professional and skilled labour force, then a ‘brain drain’ occurs, which then results in lower overall productivity and reduced economic growth.”

Migration of workers and even high levels of unemployment have also been linked to deficiencies in education and training systems, the book explains.

In order to address this concern, Professor Downes says: “The linking of education/training to labour market needs [will] help to stem the migration of people from these small states.”

The book, which aims to benefit national economic planners, labour market economists, and all those who seek to ensure the successful development of the economies of the world’s smaller states, provides labour market assessments of countries in Africa, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Islands.

HOW TO ORDER

This title can be bought through booksellers or online at http://publications.thecommonwealth.org/labour-markets-in-small-developing-states-546-p.aspx

A full catalogue of Commonwealth Secretariat and Commonwealth Foundation publications can be viewed on the website, which provides a secure online buying facility. Orders can also be made through email or by post. Pre-payment is essential. Payment by sterling cheque drawn on a UK bank, international money order, postal order or bank draft must accompany your order. Cheques should be made out to York Publishing Services.

If you require the order form as an attachment in Word format please email the Publications Section (see address below). Post and packaging charges should be added to every order in the following way: UK orders: 15 per cent of order value (minimum charge £2.00). Non-UK orders: 25 per cent of order value (minimum charge £3.50).

Send orders to: Publications Section, Commonwealth Secretariat, Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HX, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0)20 7747 6534; Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 9081; Email: publications@commonwealth.int.

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• Small States

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