Israel's Labor Ministry and Statistics Bureau Sign Data Sharing Agreement

The Israeli Ministry of Labor and the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance data sharing in key areas, including employment, vocational training, higher education, workplace safety, and daycare. The agreement aims to improve the quality of CBS data, enabling more informed and data-driven employment policies.

Signed by Labor Ministry Director General Robi Shemesh and CBS Director Professor Yaron Pilossof, the accord establishes a framework for ongoing information exchange, joint professional development, annual work plans, and dedicated working groups. It also seeks to standardize concepts and statistical classifications within employment and vocational training sectors.

The collaboration is expected to improve government decision-making regarding the labor market, increase the effectiveness of government actions, and provide policymakers, researchers, and the public with accessible, up-to-date, and uniform data. Information will be transferred via highly secure methods, adhering strictly to privacy and data security laws.

A joint steering committee, led by senior professionals from both bodies, will approve annual work plans and monitor progress. Designated points of contact will be appointed to streamline daily operations.

Currently, vocational training initiatives are fragmented across several government bodies, including the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Economy, and the Employment Service, making it difficult to obtain a comprehensive picture of the sector. This fragmentation has been a long-standing issue, with recommendations from various bodies, including the State Comptroller, to consolidate these services under a single governmental entity for greater transparency and accessibility. The State Comptroller noted in 2021 that Israel invests only 0.07% of its GDP in vocational training, below the OECD average of 0.11%.

Shemesh stated that data-driven work and inter-ministerial coordination are crucial for addressing labor market challenges, and this partnership will provide advanced research tools for trend analysis, ultimately improving citizen services and economic growth. Pilossof added that the agreement reflects a vision of joint government work based on data sharing and professional uniformity, while ensuring strict adherence to citizen privacy and data security.