Realising potential:Integrating youth into the labour marketReykjavik, 10 November 2009
European Social NetworkSocial Services In Europe
www.esn-eu.org
Dorota Tomalak, Policy and Development Officer, European Social Network
Capacity to avoid incapacityReykjavik, November 2009
European Social NetworkWho are we?
10,000 regional and local authorities in 25 countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and UK
ESN is the independent network for directors of social services, health, education and employment in Europe
Capacity to avoid incapacityReykjavik, November 2009
• 7 ESN members
• 3 countries visited
• 2 reports published
• Independent pool of
experts providing
the link between
local practice and
EU policiesFrom the left: John (ESN), Agnes (HU), Asle (NO), Agnieszka (PL), Becca (UK), Niels (NL), Matthias (DE) and Dorota (ESN)
European Social NetworkActive Inclusion Expert Group
Capacity to avoid incapacityReykjavik, November 2009
Young people on the labour marketUnemployment rates 2009 (1st quarter)
Capacity to avoid incapacityReykjavik, November 2009
• Increase from 15.5% to 19.8% (August 2008-2009)
• Over 5 million young people out of work (under 25 y.o.)Biggest increase: Baltic republics Latvia (11.0% to
28.2%), Estonia (7.6% to 24.1%) and Lithuania ( 9.5% to 23.6%)
Highest rate: Spain almost 40%Gender: men affected more than women (not
everywhere though)Youth with migrant background over-proportionally
affected
Young people on the labour marketUnemployment features
Capacity to avoid incapacityReykjavik, November 2009
• Individual characteristics Educational attainment Socio-economic background Gender Disability
• Capacity of labour market to provide opportunities
Young people on the labour marketReasons for under-achievement
Capacity to avoid incapacityReykjavik, November 2009
• Information, advice and support
• More independence and real choices
• Focus on the individual and not on the service
• User as a key partner of social development
• Development of community-based services
• Active citizenship to improve social cohesion
Early school leaversOne in seven children in Europe…
Capacity to avoid incapacityReykjavik, November 2009
• Reluctance of employers to employ and train inexperienced youngster
• Insider-outsider phenomenon• Flexibility over security• Subsidized employment trap• Under-educated vs. over-educated• Mismatch of skills taught and sought after
Labour market shortcomingsDisconnected and segmented
Capacity to avoid incapacityReykjavik, November 2009
• Holistic approach designed for people furthest from the labour market
• Based on three pillars:1. Adequate income support2. Inclusive labour market3. Access to quality services
Active inclusion strategyEU solution for difficult-to-reach group
Capacity to avoid incapacityReykjavik, November 2009
Active inclusion strategy for youthAdequate income support
• For those who can work: Reduction of inactivity traps (though e.g. better
coordination of unemployment and social benefits) Internships with minimum wage and wage support Combination of part-time with unemployment benefits Reduction of tax wedge
• For those who cannot work: Dignity, support and innovative social inclusion measures
Capacity to avoid incapacityReykjavik, November 2009
Active inclusion strategy for youthInclusive labour markets
• Investment in human capital (inclusive and accessible education and training at all stages of life)
• Tailored, personalised, responsive services (assessment, assistance, training and counseling)
• Support for social economy and sheltered employment• Adaptability and provision of in-work support• Promotion of entrepreneurship (Me-Inc.)
• Fight with segmentation on the labour market
Capacity to avoid incapacityReykjavik, November 2009
Active inclusion strategy for youthAccess to quality services
• One stop shop approach• Dealing with barriers first:
Interrupted education Disabilities and health issues (including mental) Addiction (often leading to violence and conviction) Chaotic life style, homelessness Family issues (teenage pregnancies, history of abuse)
• Focus on individuals, their families and whole communities
Capacity to avoid incapacityReykjavik, November 2009
• More and more social services merged with income or employment
• New responsibilities for social workers (and new qualifications needed)
• Shift on people’s abilities and not their disabilities
• Cost efficiency debate
• Exchange of good practice between practitioners now more important than ever
Unique role of social servicesNew challenges ahead
Capacity to avoid incapacityReykjavik, November 2009
Active inclusion strategy for youthDutch example – 5 steps to work
Care
Social participation
Steps to work
Activation for labour market
Steps to work
Guiding to labour market
Supportive instruments:* Childcare * Language course * Diagnosis instruments* Debt counselling * Compensation of costs * Vacancy Service Amsterdam
•Support Client Manager
•Other support instruments
•Activation
•Volunteering
•Jobs trial
•Reintegration projects•Learn-work projects•Project for entrepeneurs•Traineeships •Discipline and orientation
Work
Capacity to avoid incapacityReykjavik, November 2009
Exchange of good practice examples‘Realising potential’
We have to be ambitious for people to help them realise their potential. That’s our duty and our privilege.
John Halloran, ESN director