Realising potential: Integrating youth into the labour market Reykjavik, 10 November 2009

1. Realising potential: Integrating youth into the labour market Reykjavik, 10 November 2009 European Social NetworkSocial Services In Europe Dorota Tomalak, Policy and Development Officer, European Social Network www.esn-eu.org

2. European Social NetworkWho are we? ESN is the independent network for directors of social services, health, education and employment in Europe 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

3. European Social NetworkActive Inclusion Expert Group • 7 ESN members • 3 countries visited • 2 reports published • Independent pool of experts providing the link between local practice and EU policies From the left: John (ESN), Agnes (HU), Asle (NO), Agnieszka (PL), Becca (UK), Niels (NL), Matthias (DE) and Dorota (ESN)

4. Young people on the labour marketUnemployment rates 2009 (1st quarter)

5. Young people on the labour marketUnemployment features • 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

6. Young people on the labour marketReasons for under-achievement • Individual characteristics • Educational attainment • Socio-economic background • Gender • Disability • Capacity of labour market to provide opportunities

7. Early school leaversOne in seven children in Europe… • 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

8. Labour market shortcomingsDisconnected and segmented • 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

9. Active inclusion strategyEU solution for difficult-to-reach group • Holistic approach designed for people furthest from the labour market • Based on three pillars: • Adequate income support • Inclusive labour market • Access to quality services

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Unique role of social servicesNew challenges ahead • 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

14. Active inclusion strategy for youthDutch example – 5 steps to work Work Steps to work Guiding to labour market Steps to work Activation for labour market Social participation Care • Support Client Manager • Other support instruments • Activation • Volunteering • Jobs trial • Reintegration projects • Learn-work projects • Project for entrepeneurs • Traineeships • Discipline and orientation Supportive instruments: * Childcare * Language course * Diagnosis instruments * Debt counselling * Compensation of costs * Vacancy Service Amsterdam

15. 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

16. European Social NetworkSocial Services In Europe www.esn-eu.org Thank you for your attention!