Long - term unemployed

The purpose of the present study is to define the size and characteristics of the group of long-term unemployed, the causes and effects of their unemployment, and the policies needed to help them to become self supporting. It follows on a series of studies, sponsored by the Manpower and Social Affairs Committee and supervised by the Social Affairs Division, which deal with special groups in the labour market (such as older workers and workers with family responsibilities), methods of assisting them to participate in the economy '(through special work arrangements, part-time work schedules) and special counselling for the long-term unemployed in the public employment offices. Investments in human resource development are now recognised as
indispensable for economic growth. The profitability, both for the community and the enterprise, of investment in training highly-qualified employees has reinforced the argument for similar action for more marginal groups. Studies on the economic advantages derived from physical rehabilitation, and similar inquiries, particularly in the United States, on individual curative and rehabilitative programmes also support this argument. For most countries, however, the ultimate justification for aiding people to become self-supporting must be traced to social and political considerations, and several have made a public commitment to help individuals, including the unplaceable, desiring to participate productively in the economy to secure the opportunities for doing so.