Employment, eyes wide open

Inclusion of socially disadvantaged persons in the job marked is a strategic challenge of the Caritas Confederation to combat social exclusion and inequalities in Spain, as shown in the 2013 Report for Social Employment and Economy presented by Caritas Spain, which highlights support actions carried out last year by Caritas centres and services to 77,072 people across the Country. Of these, 15.6% found a job, which means that 12.028 participants went back to work after having taken part in customized training, refresher courses, intermediation of independent work promoted by Caritas. The Employment Report, said Sebastián Mora, Caritas general secretary, and Félix Miguel Sánchez, coordinator of the team for the promotion of rights and solidarity-based economy “it’s an exercise of transparency, to highlight the results of our commitment for the employment of disadvantaged persons, and the resources we have invested for its implementation”. Near the vulnerable ones. In 2013 Caritas has invested a total sum of 36 million euro at national level for actions in favour of employment and social economy. 62% of the funds come from private donors and economic activity carried out by social economy businesses run by diocesan Caritas. The remaining 38% come from public funding (European Social Fund, regional, national and local public administrations.) However, Caritas’ commitment to promote employment would not have been possible without the fundamental support of 2.425 volunteers and 670 employed workers. During 2013 37 social economy initiatives have been implemented across Spain, which generated 689 jobs, 404 of which occupy disabled persons. Women are the most helped by Caritas, representing 62%, compared to 38% of men. As relates to countries of origin, 53% are Spanish and 47% are foreigners. Of 36.224 accompanied migrants, 79% (28.517 people) come from extra-EU Countries. When analysing education 47% of participants in Caritas vocational training have basic education levels. Protagonists of the future. The Employment and Social Economy report highlights the central role of the unemployed persons that take part in initiatives for job inclusion, renewing every day their determination to exit the crisis in a difficult social and economic situation. People accompanied by Caritas “are suffering the consequences of the social-economic model”, Caritas workers explained, “which caused 26% unemployment rate”. But there are also those who had a stable working life untilethe economic crisis, and those who before the crisis already had low employment opportunities. Proposals to exit the crisis. The Report closes with a set of proposals for the development of a “new model of job generation” providing dignified work to all, especially to disadvantaged brackets, so that everyone may exert their right to employment”. The proposals are addressed to policymakers, economic players, social organizations and to society as a whole so that in the exercise of their responsibilities “they may give a central role to people and to the social and natural environment they identify with”. In concrete terms, three measures are suggested to help overcome the difficulties brought about by the current model: a growth geared at the improvement of the quality of life of people, in particular the most vulnerable, aimed at environmental sustainability; a redistribution of work, ensuring quality jobs and appropriate social protection; the promotion of a collective and social model of entrepreneurship. The purpose of Caritas in presenting these proposals, points out Sebastián Mora, “is to follow what Pope Francis says and not to remain with folded arms before the tragedy of unemployment. Caritas thus addresses the proposals to all those in positions of responsibility so they may open their eyes and make all possible creative and generous efforts to restore hope to these unemployed sisters and brothers”.