-Young job seekers- The importance of a purpose in society Results from focus groups November 2009

Framework A joint committee put together by the ministries of social affairs, education and health got the task to gather information, analyze and come up with ways to activate by work and/or education those unemployed. The committee decided to focus on the 6% of all year old who are out of work or school. The committee decided to ask the young people about their life and of their opinion and possible solutions. Based on these information and what we gathered from the statistics, the committee is at present working on action oriented report to the ministers.

Ministries (The Committee) and State agencies Focus groups of unemployed year old people (members of civil society) Government emphasis Knowledge and insight Common Horizontal Ground Actions towards increased activity and opportunities Moulding process Wide ownership of action Horizontal working process

2 groups Reykjanesbær 3 groups Reykjavík

The framework We put together in cooperation with the Directorate of Labour (DoL) five focus groups of young people year old who were listed as long term unemployed. Participants asked about their interests, current status, life patterns, communication, level of activity, resiliency and their views on their future. A qualitative research with limitations since it is not possible to generalize from the results from the groups to the population. It gives however valuable indications on their status and helps the government to shape policy and implement appropriate actions.

The framework Five groups –18-24 years old in Reykjavík – 18 people –18-20 years old in Reykjavík – 6 people –21-24 years old in Reykjavík – 9 people –18-20 years old in Reykjanesbær – 8 people –21-24 years old in Reykjanesbær– 7 people » » 48 people

Framework –Obligatory attendance versus/ free attendance to focus groups –All were out of work for 6 – 18 months –Almost equal gender ratio –Most had only the equivalent of a lower secondary school education –Few were studying (majority of them women) –Most of these young people lived with their parents –Few of them had children. Higher ratio of females.

Main results Young unemployed people have been left unconcerned/unattended which seems not to have had positive effects on the group. Initiative is hardly present and apathy and stagnation prominent They are scarcely active in searching for a job and they hardly get replied back to if they apply for jobs They are waiting for “what will happen” A believe that the recession is the only reason for their current situation. Those with children live a more stable and routine-oriented life.

Main results-patterns Sleep patterns have changed more than exercise or diet. They sleep more and more irregularly. Mental health: causal indicators point towards critical changes. Little change in communication Their alcohol consumption was little and had not changed since the start of their unemployment, but smokers had increased their smoking The groups food consumption had changed little. (The women ate more irregularly and not as healthy as before) It was hard to get others than those with children to describe ‘a good day’

Main results- their views The young people themselves saw few opportunities for innovation for their age group They would rather see soulutions in changing external circumstances rather than working towards a solutinon themselves. –i.e. The soulution should come “outside in “ not “inside out” Almost all tired of the situation but do not act themselves

Main results- analysis Some on unemployment benefits due to convenience: They knew little or nothing about resources, courses and services available to them due to their status The younger people had lower levels of education No one had drastic financial problems. Financial difference between those who live with their parents and those who rent or have children to provide for.

Conclusions-assumtions Young year old unemployed people are in need of a role and direction There is an urgency to act promptly or we might be faced with similar welfare situation as Finland in 2000, five years after the crisis when the increase of psycho-social disability in that same age group rose over 100% compared to older groups.

Conclusions In the current situation our nation needs strong social capital therefore our it is pivotal to empower young people and their human capital. The committee believes that young unemployed people would be better off in education, organized activity or voluntary work rather than being left unattended on unemployment benefits.