One of the most significant topics against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic remains the situation in the labour market.
One of the most significant topics against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic remains the situation in the labour market. For the regions of the Vitebsk region, where the demographic situation significantly influences the functioning of the economic complex, it is important not to lose ground in terms of attractiveness for employment and labour. How are the districts tackling employment issues in challenging conditions, including for the most vulnerable categories of citizens?Chashniki: Specialists are Always in Demand
According to Alexander Kosov, Chairman of the Chashniki District Council of Deputies, the situation in the local labour market remains stable. Since the beginning of the year, about 250 people have been employed. The number of vacancies has increased to 240. Three new small businesses have opened, creating 20 jobs. The stability of the employment situation is ensured by the positive dynamics achieved in 2019 across most employment indicators, thanks to which the district has been excluded from the list of regions with a tense labour market situation.
As of January 1, 2020, there were 20 unemployed individuals registered in the district. Last year, over a thousand citizens applied to the employment service for employment-related issues.
In the region, it has been possible to reduce the average employment period to 1.6 months, with an average duration of unemployment of 3.5 months. The expansion of employment opportunities has been driven by a 20% increase in vacancies compared to 2018. The district is most in need of educational psychologists, doctors, and mid-level medical staff, and accountants. In the real sector of the economy, veterinarians and zootechnicians are in highest demand. Overall, the demand for qualified personnel is growing, noted Alexander Kosov. Last year, organisations hired 2,037 people, which is approximately 2% more than in 2018, and also dismissed almost 8% fewer, ensuring an increase in the labour force replacement rate, which stood at around unity.
In Chashniki District, less than 1% of the total workforce was employed under forced part-time arrangements. According to the chairperson of the district council, the number of full-day downtime periods has significantly decreased. Continuous personnel diagnostics of organisations were conducted to identify potentially redundant staff numbers and prevent inefficient use of labour resources. This allowed for timely measures to be taken to employ specialists dismissed due to organisational staff optimisation. For instance, the district has developed and effectively uses a mechanism for relocating unemployed individuals, primarily to rural areas where vacancies are available.
One of the key performance indicators is the employment of citizens in newly created jobs. In 2019, seven new enterprises were launched, hiring 185 people (the target was exceeded by more than 23%). Almost 86% of the total number of unemployed individuals referred by the employment service for retraining underwent training commissioned by employers.
A reduction in the number of applications to the employment service for registration as unemployed, active engagement with employers to build a vacancy database, and several other organisational aspects have helped to reduce labour market tension in the district. At the beginning of 2020, this indicator stood at 0.05%. The standing coordination commission for employment promotion under the district executive committee plays an important role in this process. Since its establishment, the commission has assisted in the employment of over 5,000 citizens, specified Alexander Kosov.
Dokshitsy: Individual Approach Yields Results
In Dokshitsy District, extensive information and awareness campaigns have been organised to engage the economically inactive population in labour activities. However, as noted by Valentina Randarevich, chairperson of the district council of deputies, an individual approach is most effective for a district with a small population. Village council chairpersons personally discuss potential employment options with each individual in need. The results are analysed at meetings of the district commission for employment promotion, with the participation of unemployed individuals.
The effectiveness of such work in the district is evidenced by a threefold increase in the number of self-employed citizens in 2019.
The opportunity to legally work without registering as an individual entrepreneur is most actively utilized by local residents during the summer period. Furthermore, small businesses are also growing in number. Over the past four months of the current year, the number of individual entrepreneurs has increased by more than 20% compared to the same period in 2019.
Special attention is paid to citizens who are unable to compete equally in the labor market. For example, last year, 34 individuals from categories requiring particular social protection were registered as unemployed. These include parents in single-parent large families and those raising children with disabilities, pre-retirement age citizens, disabled individuals, persons released from places of detention, as well as those seeking employment for the first time. All were provided with employment assistance, including two who were sent for training and subsequently registered as individual entrepreneurs. Only three refused the services of the employment service. Similar work is being carried out in the current year.
— Undoubtedly, it is easier to assist motivated citizens, those who wish to find employment, — emphasized Valentina Randarevich.
Individuals exhibiting antisocial behavior remain a problematic category. In working with them, effective assistance is provided by law enforcement officers, who monitor such individuals at home and during the initial days of their new employment. Local authorities also face difficulties with citizens who are registered but have not resided in the Dokshitsy district for a long time. According to the chairperson of the district council, out of 39 such local residents, only 25 have confirmed employment, and information on 12 is still missing. Here, district authorities are counting on the assistance of migration services.