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

2. Capacity to avoid incapacity Reykjavik, November 2009 European Social Network Who 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

3. Capacity to avoid incapacity Reykjavik, November 2009 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) European Social Network Active Inclusion Expert Group

4. Capacity to avoid incapacity Reykjavik, November 2009 Young people on the labour market Unemployment rates 2009 (1 st quarter)

5. Capacity to avoid incapacity Reykjavik, 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 market U nemployment features

6. Capacity to avoid incapacity Reykjavik, November 2009 Individual characteristics  Educational attainment  Socio-economic background  Gender  Disability Capacity of labour market to provide opportunities Young people on the labour market Reasons for under-achievement

7. Capacity to avoid incapacity Reykjavik, 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 leavers One in seven children in Europe…

8. Capacity to avoid incapacity Reykjavik, 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 shortcomings Disconnected and segmented

9. Capacity to avoid incapacity Reykjavik, November 2009 Holistic approach designed for people furthest from the labour market Based on three pillars: 1.Adequate income support 2.Inclusive labour market 3.Access to quality services Active inclusion strategy EU solution for difficult-to-reach group

10. Capacity to avoid incapacity Reykjavik, November 2009 Active inclusion strategy for youth Adequate 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. Capacity to avoid incapacity Reykjavik, November 2009 Active inclusion strategy for youth Inclusive 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. Capacity to avoid incapacity Reykjavik, November 2009 Active inclusion strategy for youth Access 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. Capacity to avoid incapacity Reykjavik, 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 services New challenges ahead

14. Capacity to avoid incapacity Reykjavik, November 2009 Active inclusion strategy for youth Dutch 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

15. Capacity to avoid incapacity Reykjavik, 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

16. Capacity to avoid incapacity Reykjavik, November 2009 www.esn-eu.org European Social Network Social Services In Europe Thank you for your attention!