Mediation between the supply of and demand for labour was handled by a public monopoly until 1997. At that time (see legislative decree 469/97) powers and responsibilities in the area of employment services were transferred from the central government to the regional authorities, which, in turn, devolved managerial functions to the provinces by creating the new Employment Centres (Centri per l’impiego - CPI).

Decree 297 of December 2002 also reformed the public function of the 'employment services' by establishing the register of jobseekers and the job file.

The first private mediation agencies were authorised in 1999 (initially in the supply of fixed-term labour). However, according to the latest legislative measures (and the relevant implementing decrees currently under way) there are plans to develop and set up more private operators (employment agencies).

Where an individual unwillingly loses his/her job (where they have not been dismissed), the individual must apply to the Employment Centre and complete the necessary paperwork for the INPS in order to receive unemployment benefit as set out the social security chapter.