The external economic scenario, which has had an impact on the normal
evolution of the economy and society, aggravated by restrictive policies and a
reduction in disposable income, has dramatically altered the balance in the labour market, resulting in unprecedented rates of unemployment at a national
and regional level.
The latest data available, relating to the first quarter of 2013, reveals an
unemployment rate of approximately 17%, as compared to 4.3% in 2007 and
even lower rates in previous years.
Two groups are especially vulnerable in the context of involuntary
unemployment, viz. young people, especially considering that the rate of
unemployment among young people is higher than 38%, and those who have
lost their job and, although not considered as young people (25 to 44), face
difficulties in finding similar work in other companies or in adapting their skills to
find alternative employment, the unemployment rate for this latter group is
currently around 30%.
Prolonged unemployment is a factor which can result in exclusion, poverty and
disarticulated families.
Active policies to promote employment and professional adaptation and, above
all, a resumption of economic growth are thus solutions to stabilise the labour
market.
However, given the prevailing scenario and forecasts regarding the reversal of
the current economic cycle, it is necessary to closely monitor the phenomenon
of unemployment and to implement measures to mitigate the harmful effects
that such a situation could have on families and society in general.