Current statistics show that this year, unemployment in Lithuania has fallen lower than the European Union average, and in neighbouring countries Latvia, Estonia and Poland. Employment reached 75%, the highest number in more than two decades. According to Eurostat, unemployment in September was at 5%, one per cent less than the EU average, and 1.5% lower than the same time last year. The ES average decrease in unemployment fell by 0.7%. Unemployment trends were similar to earlier years, with slow-downs after seasonal summer work ended, and the job market becoming more passive.
In July of this year, a change to the employment laws came into force, in an effort to help the less employable enter the job market. By November 1, there were 18,300 persons registered in the program, which evaluates and assists in directing people toward further preparation for integration into the job market.
In the less-employable category, two-thirds are older than 50, nearly half do not have professional training, and every sixth person is disabled in some way. Reasons for unemployability include lack of social skills or motivation (55.6%), lack of transportation to a place of employment (25.2%), care-giving for a family member or person in the home (10.9%), limited available funds (9.9%), or addiction issues (5.3%).
Currently, comprehensive professional assistance is being offered in 45 municipalities. In 2023 this model is expected to include the entire country.
The changes to employment law has increased opportunities for training and job stability. The possibility of professional training and employment according to apprenticeship contracts, recognition of informal education and self-learning are included in the amendments. Employed citizens are also allowed to register for additional training.
The new opportunities made possible by the amendments to the employment law are already showing positive results.
