STATE EMPLOYMENT POLICY AS AN ELEMENT OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

Abstract

The article examines the current state, challenges, and development prospects of the state employment policy in Ukraine in the context of its social purpose. The role of employment policy is substantiated as a key instrument of the national social protection system, contributing to the prevention of poverty, social exclusion, and economic marginalization of vulnerable population groups. It is emphasized that an effective state employment policy is one of the determining factors in ensuring social stability, improving the quality of life, and promoting sustainable economic development. The content of active and passive state regulation measures in the field of employment is revealed, including professional training and retraining programs, subsidies for the creation of new jobs, and unemployment benefits. The article analyzes their effectiveness and outlines existing limitations, such as the low coverage of target groups, insufficient targeting of assistance, and the fragmented implementation of programs. Special attention is paid to identifying the main challenges of the domestic employment model, including structural labor market imbalances, the expansion of informal employment, labor migration, insufficient funding of employment programs, and institutional inefficiency of the responsible authorities. The article proposes directions for improving state employment policy, including enhanced inter-agency coordination, modernization of the regulatory framework, involvement of social partners, and expansion of financial instruments to support employment. The prospects for further scientific research are outlined, particularly regarding the integration of employment policy with other areas of socio-economic policy and its adaptation to modern challenges posed by digital transformation and changes in the global labor market.