07.09.2001
The situation in Greece
A labour market analysis made by the EKA, Athens
The labour market situation in Greece has worsened during the 90's.
According to EUROSTAT, in 1997, Greece reveals the third largest unemployment rate in Europe for young people under the age of 25 years. With 31% the country follows Spain (40%) and Italy (33%). The percentage corresponds to the double of the unemployed rate beyond the age of 25 years.
Young women are more exposed to unemployment than men. The unemployment rate for women was about 16,5% in 1998.
The basic forms of employment for young people are underemployment or an employment not corresponding to their qualification. There is a lack of professional experience and many companies do not hire youngsters within full employment conditions.
The system of vocational training both at a european and national level has to be reconsidered. The vocational training programs developed in Greece up to now do not correspond to the needs of the labour market. The basic problems the greek system faces are the multiplicity of institutions dealing with the vocational training, a lack of uniform regulatory framework and coordination policies and the weak role of the social actors. The trade unions have made several proposals in this regard.
One of the most important policies for the development of the labour force in Greece is the project on Regional Development 2000-2006 for the Vocational Training and Employment, aiming at strengthening the labour demand. One of the most important issues regarding the labour force development is the efficiency and the operation of the existing structures. A basic aim is the active involvement of the trade unions and employers organizations to create a comprehensive concept of the problems and the needs.
