European Policy Models of Employment of People with Disabilities

Journal of Social Research & Policy, Volume: 4, Issue: 1, pp. 47-63.

Date: July 2013

ISSN: 2067-2640 (print), 2068-9861 (electronic)

Abstract: The article presents three different systems of professional activation for people with disabilities and promotion of their employment such as: the quota system, motivating employers and a system based on civil rights. The purpose of the quota system is to force the employers to employ people with disabilities in the open labour market. However, the system is bi-directional. On one hand, the law obliges employers to hire these people in a certain proportion. Then employers are trying to achieve suitable employment rate to avoid paying insurance contribution. On the other hand, employers are encouraged to maintain this index to continuouslyreceive grants from public funds. A system based on civil rights is different in its essence. Its purpose, as in the quota system, is to enable people with disabilities togain and maintain jobs. It does not, however, oblige employers to hire these people, only enforces the rights guaranteed under the Constitution. The last model is based on motivating employees. It is associated with the flexicurity approach. It is also referred to as the "golden triangle" because it consists of three components: a flexible labour market, social security and active labour market policy. This model operates on a gentlemen's agreement between the government and the participantsin the labour market. Acceptance by all stakeholders is an essential condition of its operation.

Keywords: People with Disabilities, Employment, Labour Market, Employment Policy, Market Instruments.