The labor market is a system of economic relations for the purchase and sale of goods «labor», within which the demand, supply and price of labor resources are formed. The labor market in the broadest sense of the word includes the demand for labor, the supply of goods labor, their coincidence and discrepancy. The labor market in the narrow sense of the word – is an unoccupied part of the labor force in need of employment.

The labor market has a number of important features:

- non-separability of ownership rights to goods (labor) from its owner. Labor is the process of expending labor from its bearer;

- longer contact time between the seller and the buyer. A transaction made in the labor market implies the beginning of a long-term relationship between the seller and the buyer;

- the presence and effect of non-monetary aspects of the transaction. These are, first of all, working conditions, the microclimate in the team, prospects for promotion in the field of study and professional growth;

- the presence of a large number of special institutional structures. These include: the system of labor legislation; various services and institutions regulating employment, state programs in the field of labor and employment, etc.;

- high degree of individualization of transactions. Deals are very diverse, because each employee is unique in its own way, and each workplace is more or less different from the other and imposes its own specific requirements on applicants^[112].

The labor market – is a set of vacancies opened in a certain period at state enterprises. In other words, these are basic economic relations based on the supply of services and the demand for labor in various fields of activity. It is an integral part of the country's economy.

The labor market has two main functions: social and economic. The first is to provide employees with an appropriate level of income. The second task is to make rational use of the available labor resources in the plant. It is the labor market that determines the cost of labor, conditions of employment and work. And if there is a balance between supply and demand, then unemployment in the country is minimal^[113].

The main source of labor resources formation is the working-age population. Trends in the number of this category of population are largely related to demographic factors: the entry into the working age of young people and the departure after the working age of the population, the number of which varies significantly by individual years. The most important component of the labor force is senior employees. The transition of the republic to market-based management principles had a direct impact on the participation of people of retirement age in public production. Their numbers have declined. The tendency to reduce this part of the labor force is due to the crisis state of the economy and the state's policy towards people of retirement age while reducing those employed in the national economy. Among the unemployed population, the most important source of replenishment of labor resources are graduates of higher and secondary specialized educational institutions. It is obvious that the problem of youth employment after graduation is still acute. There is also such a negative trend as the employment of young people not in the specialty obtained at the end of educational institutions.

From the unoccupied population, persons leading a household can be considered as a source of replenishment of labor resources. However, the contingent of household managers is mainly represented by women who have not worked for a long time or have never worked and can only apply for vacancies of unskilled physical or routine mental work. The problem is that the inclusion of this category of people in the labor market helps to improve their financial situation, but at the same time qualitatively worsens the structure of employment of the population

Among the unemployed population, an important source of replenishment of labor resources is the unemployed, which include able-bodied citizens of working age who permanently reside in the country, do not have a job, are not engaged in entrepreneurial activities, do not study in full-time educational institutions and do not undergo military service.

Promotion of employment of the population, elements of employment policy The manifestation of the mechanism of labor market regulation in the economy is employment policy, which depends on the socio-economic, political and national characteristics of the country.

Unemployment – is a socio-economic phenomenon in which a part of the working-age population cannot find a job, becoming a relatively surplus population, a reserve army of labor. In labor statistics, unemployed persons are considered to be able-bodied citizens of working age who permanently reside in the territory of the republic, do not have a job, are not engaged in entrepreneurial activities, do not study in full-time educational institutions, do not undergo military service, and are registered with the state employment service.

The registered unemployment rate is calculated as the ratio of the number of unemployed to the number of economically active population. The number of unemployed persons includes persons registered with the State employment service. Economists have different explanations for the causes of unemployment:

- excess population (Malthusianism);

- technical progress (technological theory);

- insufficient market demand (Keynesian theory);

- high level of wages and benefits (school of «free enterprise»).

Unemployment is usually understood as a discrepancy in the labor market, when the supply of labor exceeds demand, and this discrepancy can be both in quantitative and qualitative terms. Unemployment needs to be considered from different points of view, clarifying the most important concepts that characterize it. From these positions, it is studied in the following order: the status of the unemployed; the level of unemployment; the prevalence of unemployment and the movement of unemployed people; the duration of unemployment; types of unemployment.

According to the methodology of the International Labour Organization (ILO), an unemployed person is considered to be one who currently does not have a job, is looking for it, is ready to start it, and has no other sources of income other than wages in the field of paid employment.

Modern science uses the concept of natural unemployment rate. Unemployment rates vary significantly from country to country, as they depend on natural unemployment (level), the phase of the economic cycle in which the country is located, as well as on the current state employment policy^[114].

In the fight against unemployment at the present stage, the emphasis is shifted from passive regulation to active measures. If passive measures are aimed at solving the problem of labor surpluses, then active regulation implies state influence on the level of employment by creating the necessary conditions for increasing the number of jobs. The main role in this process belongs to training and retraining programs, advanced training for the unemployed, as well as those released from production, and the armed forces. In addition, local initiatives for employment, promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship play an important role.

State regulation of employment.

Employment promotion, elements of employment policy.

A manifestation of the mechanism of labor market regulation in the economy is the employment policy, which depends on the socio-economic, political and national characteristics of the country. In the fight against unemployment at the present stage, the emphasis is shifted from passive regulation to active measures. If passive measures are aimed at solving the problem of labor surpluses, then active regulation implies state influence on the level of employment by creating the necessary conditions for increasing the number of jobs. The main role in this process belongs to training and retraining programs, advanced training for the unemployed, as well as those released from production, and the armed forces. In addition, local initiatives for employment, promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship play an important role.

The basis for the formation and implementation of the state employment policy is to ensure the rights of citizens to full, productive and freely chosen work activities. In addition to the basic principles, this policy includes such elements as setting a certain length of working hours, providing material conditions that encourage women to stay in the postpartum additional parental leave, and determining the length of this leave, the level of material support for pensioners and the conditions for paying pensions for working pensioners. All these elements affect the total number of people employed in the national economy. It is also influenced by the requirements for the minimum level of general education training of young people, which determine the time of entry into labor activity.

At the same time, the employment policy includes a set of measures related to the economic conditions of the organization of jobs: the closure of inefficient ones, the technical renewal of existing ones, and the creation of new jobs.

World experience shows that government actions in the labor market should be reduced, first of all, to the desire to curb the market element through state regulation of the development of jobs and people's needs for work. For this purpose, an appropriate system of tax and credit measures is being developed to encourage the creation of new jobs in enterprises of socially oriented industries and industries, as well as to promote intersectoral and professional redistribution of the labor force, labor migration; a system of professional training and retraining of released employees in specialties and professions of promising demand is being developed.

The main direction of the employment policy – is state employment promotion and assistance to people who find themselves out of work in vocational training, advanced training and retraining. In the context of an economic crisis and industrial downturn, the only real chance to contain unemployment is to reduce the rate of new unemployed people entering the labor market and, if possible, manage this process. In other words, in an emergency, more flexible solutions are needed and allowed that would not normally be acceptable.

One of the most effective approaches to curbing unemployment involves the redistribution of available working hours among a larger number of employees – commonly known as job-sharing – as well as the implementation of wage moderation strategies. When the state seeks to retain redundant employees within enterprises, it may compensate employers for the financial losses associated with temporary overstaffing, including the costs of employee retraining. Forms of such support include subsidies, various tax incentives, and other financial mechanisms.

Thus, the focus of state regulation in the labor market is not merely on addressing the consequences of unemployment during the transition to a market economy, but on implementing preventive measures designed to reduce the risk of its emergence^[115].

Kazakhstan's labor policy is aimed at ensuring full and productive employment of the population, regulating labor relations and protecting the rights of employees. State regulation of the labor market includes the development of employment programs, support for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as the introduction of new forms of employment.

Basic tools for regulating the labor market:

- legislation in the sphere of labor and employment;

- state programs to create jobs;

- monitoring and forecasting of the labor market;

- support for entrepreneurship and self-employment.

Legislation in the sphere of labor and employment in Kazakhstan.

The Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan uses the concept of state labor policy in several aspects.

First, the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan develops the main directions and ensures the implementation of state labor policy (Article 15 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan).

Secondly, the state labor policy is implemented by the authorized state labor body and local executive bodies (Articles 16, and 18 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan).

Third, one of the tasks of social partnership in the Republic of Kazakhstan is to develop proposals for the implementation of state policy in the field of social and labor relations (Article 147 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan)^[116].

At the same time, the question arises about the content and form of state policy in the field of labor (social and labor relations). What is this concept in practice?

Some authors understand «state policy» as «a set of goals, measures, tasks, programs, and installations implemented by the state^[117]».

Other authors consider public policy as a set of static and dynamic means (legal, informational, economic, social, organizational, and other) implemented by public authorities to achieve their goals. Static tools show the strategic and conceptual aspect of public policy (ideas, principles, directions, goals, tasks), while dynamic –tools show the activities of bodies in the exercise of their powers^[118].

Thus, state policy includes not only normative legal acts, but also strategies, concepts, and programs that express the main directions of state activity in a particular area of public relations.

State programs of the Republic of Kazakhstan on job creation.

Job creation is one of the key directions of social and economic policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The State implements a set of programs aimed at supporting employment, developing entrepreneurship and improving the skills of citizens. These initiatives contribute to reducing the unemployment rate, improving working conditions and increasing the income of the population.

According to the Rules for developing a concept or doctrine, a concept is an ideological document that is developed in the spheres of public life (social, political, spiritual) for a long-term period and reflects the vision of the development of the relevant sphere, as well as the rationale for the relevant state policy, including the main principles and general approaches of this policy. The concept is implemented through documents of the State Planning System and laws^[119].

The main state programs for creating jobs.

National Project on Entrepreneurship Development for 2021-2025. This project is aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses, developing entrepreneurial initiatives and expanding the opportunities for self-employment of citizens.

Key support measures include:

- preferential lending and subsidizing of interest rates;

- provision of grants to start-up entrepreneurs;

- training programs and business courses;

- creating jobs by supporting startups and expanding production facilities.

State program «Enbek» (Program of productive employment and mass entrepreneurship).

The «Enbek» program is aimed at increasing employment of the population and includes three main areas:

- training in popular professions and skills;

- support for entrepreneurship (micro-loans and grants);

- development of the labor market (job creation, employment subsidies, public works).

The program «With a diploma in the village».

The program is aimed at attracting young professionals to rural areas. It includes:

- one-time lifting allowances;

- preferential housing loans;

- guaranteed employment in rural educational, health and social institutions.

Program of industrial and innovative development.

This program encourages the development of industrial production and new technologies, creating jobs in the manufacturing industry. Key areas:

- development of high-tech industries;

- support for export-oriented enterprises;

- introduction of innovative solutions into production.

Regional Development Program.

It is aimed at reducing the imbalance between urban and rural areas by creating new jobs in the regions. Key measures:

- infrastructure development and investment in the regions;

- support for agricultural production;

- building affordable housing and social infrastructure.

The National Labour Report is one of the most important tools of State labour policy.

According Article 16 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the authorized state labor body implements statepolicies in the field of labor. According Article 7 of the Law of Kazakhstan on Employment, the authorized body for employment analyzes, predicts the demand and supply of labor, informs the Government of Kazakhstan on the state of the labor market.

Support for the unemployed and social guarantees.

Kazakhstan has a system of support for the unemployed, which includes:

- non-payment of unemployment benefits;

- re-qualification and professional training;

- state subsidies for job creation;

- in belt employment and community service.

Development of human resources.

The key task is to improve the skills of employees, adapt education to the requirements of the labor market and digitalize the employment sector. Main areas of work:

- development of the dual education system;

- cooperation of educational institutions with employers;

- establishment of vocational training centers;

- introduction of digital technologies in human resource management.

Innovative approaches to labor market management.

The modern labor market requires flexibility and adaptation to new challenges. Kazakhstan is implementing:

- cross-platform and remote forms of employment;

- programs to support young people and women in the labor sphere;

- automated labor market analysis systems;

- international cooperation in the field of labor migration.

Thus, government programs to create jobs play an important role in the development of the labor market in Kazakhstan. They contribute to the growth of employment, improving the level of skills of citizens and business development. In the future, the state will continue to improve employment support mechanisms, taking into account new economic and technological challenges.

Kazakhstan's labor policy is aimed at sustainable development of the labor market, increasing the level of employment and ensuring social guarantees. The development of human resources, digitalization of labor relations and support for vulnerable categories of citizens are priority areas. In the future, further integration of innovative technologies and improvement of the vocational education system are expected to increase the competitiveness of the labor force in Kazakhstan.

The labor market is an important part of any economic system, since its state largely determines the rate of economic growth of this system. At the same time, the labor market is a key element of the socio-economic policy pursued by government agencies. In the modern conditions of globalization, the labor market is simultaneously affected by the social and economic policies of the region or the state as a whole.

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^[112] Social Policy: Educational and Methodological Complex / compiled by S. N. Likhachyova. – Mogilev: A. A. Kuleshov Mogilev State University, 2020. – 156 p. Retrieved from https://libr.msu.by/bitstream/123456789/20712/1/S%202285.pdf

^[113] Informburo.kz website https://informburo.kz/tags/rynok-truda

^[114] Social Policy: Educational and Methodological Complex / compiled by S. N. Likhachyova. – Mogilev: A. A. Kuleshov Mogilev State University, 2020. – 156 pages. Retrieved from https://libr.msu.by/bitstream/123456789/20712/1/S%202285.pdf

^[115] Social Policy: Educational and Methodological Complex / compiled by S. N. Likhachyova. – Mogilev: A. A. Kuleshov Mogilev State University, 2020. – 156 pages. Retrieved from https://libr.msu.by/bitstream/123456789/20712/1/S%202285.pdf

^[116] Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated November 23, 2015, No. 414-V ZRK // Bulletin of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan 2015, No. 22-IV, p. 151. Retrieved from https://online.zakon.kz/Document/?doc_id=37155120&pos=131;-44#pos=131;-44

^[117] Matuzov, N. I. Current Issues of Legal Theory. – Saratov, 2003. – P. 318.

^[118] Vorontsov, D. F. State Policy: Concept, Types, Compliance with Law and Justice as an Element of Solving Problems of the Modern Economy // Current Issues of Russian Law. – 2011. – No. 3. – P. 12-18.

^[119] Order of the Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated June 11, 2018, No. 211 “On the Approval of the Rules for Developing a Concept, Doctrine.”