In some the main target is the total wage bill, in others it is the structure of pay or its role in promoting productivity, efficiency and labour market flexibility. In many countries public service workers face a drop in the value of their wages. Falling incomes have undermined workers' morale and forced many of them to take on second and third jobs. They may also be more exposed to corruption. In view of the rapid change in the outlook of the public service, training becomes increasingly important.
Most countries offer a wide range of training to public service workers.
While the need for modernization of training is being recognized, the financial resources for it are often not sufficient. Nevertheless, such investments may be critical for the success of public sector reforms. The main interest for the Sectoral Activities Programme in examining the public service is its importance as employer. Since 1995, joint meetings between governments and workers' organizations are organized on specific themes of current interest. A meeting was held in December 1998 on Human resource development in the public service in the context of structural adjustment and transition .