ESRI to discuss lack of support for jobless

THE CURRENT unemployment crisis differs significantly from the situation in the 1990s, the conference in the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) today is to hear.

Dr Philip O’Connell from the institute will look at how the budget crisis means there will be fewer resources available to support labour market policies designed to help the unemployed get back to work.

The fact the recession is synchronised internationally means there are few international destinations to attract would-be Irish emigrants.

Also, substantial recent inward migration means immigrants represent a significant share of the unemployed.

Dr O’Connell will argue the scale of the unemployment crisis and the scarcity of budgetary resources means it is essential for policy to respond strategically and coherently.

Even when economic recovery begins, unemployment is expected to remain high for a number of years, he believes.

One element of a strategic response would be to minimise the growth of long-term unemployment, so that when the recovery does arrive, people are prepared and able to take advantage of employment opportunities.

Policies should target the most disadvantaged in the labour market and seek to prevent them becoming long-term unemployed.

The conference will also hear about profiling, a formal method for the early identification of individuals with a high risk of long-term unemployment.