The work itself is often physically laborious (i.e. clearing top soil and grading for road construction). They are essentially jobs of last resort. They provide temporary income relief for unemployed workers without an alternative livelihood and for the vulnerable in deep poverty. As a result, labour intensive jobs are self-targeting and workers opt out of labour intensive work when opportunities in the private sector arise. An appropriate legal framework must exist and be effectively monitored to if employment guarantee schemes are being considered and designed. Local governments’ attitudes on their acceptance of the approach vary, especially if local funds need to be utilised.