ENHANCEMENT OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED UNEMPLOYED IN ZEMGALE REGION

The paper analyses the distinctive characteristics of the disabled unemployed, the socio-economic consequences of disabled unemployment and the measures taken to integrate the disabled into the labour market, based on a review of the economic literature, strategic policy documents, employment policies of the EU and Latvia and the related legislation. Using the data provided by the State Employment Agency (SEA), the paper identified trends in the number of the disabled unemployed, their age composition, education level and unemployment duration in Zemgale region and Latvia in the period 2008-2016 and analysed the results of participation of the mentioned target group in national government-and ESF-funded employment activities in the period 2008-2014. Based on a critical analysis of a survey of 152 disabled unemployed individuals in Zemgale region, which accounted for 17 % of their total number, and of an interview of 19 employers, the present research developed proposals for the Ministry of Finance, local governments and nongovernmental organisations, the SEA, which are aimed at enhancing the employment opportunities for the disabled unemployed and integrating them into the social life.