고용보험 기금용도의 적정성에 관한 연구

In this paper we define the nature of employment stabilization program and job skills development program "premiums" as earmarked general payroll taxes, and review several critical issues recently raised in relation to proper uses of Korea's Employment Insurance (EI) funds. Considering the policy implications of Transitional Labor Market theory and recent trends from unemployment insurance to employment insurance among the OECD countries, it is desirable to implement active labor market policies (employment stabilization and job skills development programs) within the framework of the Employment Insurance System. Our review of the EI experiences of Canada, Japan, and Germany suggests that Korea's EI programs should be expanded further in their scope and coverage. In this respect, first of all, direct employee assistance programs should be developed and implemented in employment stabilization program. Constructing labor market infrastructure is one of the most important projects in the future to be pursued to promote the efficient operation of EI programs. Therefore it would be appropriate to arrange all or part of labor market infrastructure project costs to be financed from EI funds.