This paper examines various aspects of public employment programs designed to reduce unemployment in Western industrialized countries. The historical context in which these programs emerged and the forms such programs might take are discussed. Public employment is considered in terms of special public service jobs, public works, and training and sheltered employment. Possible types of wage subsidy schemes are also considered. The nature of existing schemes in the United States and Europe is outlined and discussed according to the types of programs pursued. The economics of such policies are analyzed according to the effects these measures have on inflation, the overall level of employment, the distribution of employment, the balance of payments and the efficiency of resource allocation. Existing literature on the macroeconomic and distributional effects of job creation programs is reviewed and indirect evidence regarding the probable success of job creation measures is discussed. Notes on evaluation research and suggestions for future evaluation studies are presented. Overall conclusions are also presented. (Author/EB)