However, although prior to the 1980s, when neoliberal thinking began to dominate the policy landscape, macroeconomic strategies in many parts ofthe world tried to address a lack of employment opportunities, they currently often limit both the quantity and quality of the employment opportunities available. Macroeconomic policies can be particularly important in influencing the overall demand for labour in the economy. It is common to assume that employment creation is an automatic by-product of economic growth. In reality, growth does not automatically translate into new and better jobs.