Standing Research Committee on Labour Market Policy. Continuation in 2025-26

Multiple crises, such as the armed conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, high inflation, recession and sluggish economic recovery, as well as significant changes in the labour supply due to demographic change, refugee movements and rising labour force participation, especially among older workers, place high demands on labour market policy. The Standing Research Committee is coordinated by WIFO and acts as a competence platform. It supports the institutions responsible for implementing labour market policy with forecasts and short-term or needs-based expertise. In addition to assessing crises and their consequences in the context of labour market analysis and forecasting, it addresses the current challenges facing labour market policy, such as those arising from demographic developments, changes in labour market shortages, the demand for skilled workers, and the increase in the statutory retirement age for women.