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

Capacity to avoid incapacityReykjavik, November 2009

www.esn-eu.org

European Social NetworkSocial Services In Europe

Thank you for your attention!