The average tax and social security burden on employment incomes increased in 26 out of 34 OECD countries in 2011 according to the new OECD Taxing Wages publication. Tax payers in Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal and the Slovak Republic were among those hit with the largest increases.
Sweden should establish an independent committee of experts to oversee its National Pension Funds and set a clear, measurable financial objective for investments to ensure their long-term viability, according to a new OECD report.
Korea recovered faster and more vigorously from the global crisis than most OECD countries, but strong economic growth alone will not be enough to address the fundamental challenges posed by its rapidly ageing population and rising inequality, according to the latest Economic Survey of Korea.
The report highlights strategies from other countries that could serve as a model for England as it develops its early childhood education and care programme.
Korea has weathered the shocks triggered by the global recession and its economy is recovering more quickly and vigorously than most other OECD countries.
The OECD’s Task Force on Tax and Development, meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, launches Tax Inspectors Without Borders/ Inspecteurs des impôts sans frontières – a new initiative to help developing countries bolster their domestic revenues by making their tax systems fairer and more effective.
Composite leading indicators (CLIs), designed to anticipate turning points in economic activity relative to trend, point to regained momentum in the OECD area but with divergence between economies.
How to optimise the skills of the labour market to anticipate business demand and promote growth and social cohesion in these times of record unemployment?
Young people continue to bear the brunt of the jobs crisis, with nearly 11 million 15 to 24 -year-olds out of work in OECD countries in early 2012. Youth unemployment in the OECD area in March 2012 was 17.1%, close to its November 2009 peak of 18.3%
The OECD has launched its Skills Strategy to help governments build economic resilience, boost employment and reinforce social cohesion. Despite the pressure on public finances, spending on education and skills is an investment for the future and must be a priority.
