On Friday May 27 2011, I witnessed how the Spanish Police in battle dress evacuated the Plaça Catalunya in Barcelona. Youngsters had gathered on this famous square – probably inspired by the Middle East and Northern Africa events – to protest against the skyrocketing youth unemployment and the apparent lack of remedy. The atmosphere was that of a political rally mixed with a musical festival. Young people debated many topics, but most discussions dealt with their future, given the high unemployment rate.
Youth unemployment in Spain was at 42,8% at the end of 2010. For the sake of comparison: Morocco was at 18,8%, Portugal had 23%, and Greece was at 36,9%. (Source www.ilo.org).
The (weak) economic recovery also creates jobs for youngsters. But the ILO warns that youngsters could get discouraged and stop participating in the labor market. This could be the case in those countries where statistics are not a high priority for governments and where the registration as unemployed is no obligation, where there is hidden unemployment or subsidized employment, where there is no unemployment allowance, and where participation of women in the labor market is low, … They stay at home or even end up in criminal activity, …
In Spain, people talk about the lost generation. Unemployed young people cannot start with their lives; they cannot afford to live on their own, let alone buy a house. They are confronted with a grim future. Many of them have studied and realize they cannot find decent work. They end up in precarious employment situations, low-paying jobs.
According to the ILO, we need a government approach that generates sustainable job recovery and high-quality jobs for youngsters. A meaningful job is most important for people as it is a basis for mental well-being. A job generates income; it provides meaningfulness to one’s existence. One can make a difference, contribute, and acquire societal status through employment. Research shows that the lack of a job or losing it harms mental health. For someone at the start of his or her career, it means a very uncertain future.
What can we do about youth unemployment?
There is no miracle cure. But this is what governments should do:
- Make youth unemployment a priority;
- Make sure having a job is worthwhile. Reduce fiscal pressure on income through labor.
- Provide early work experiences for youngsters by combining education and work. Review your educational system to maximize these experiences.
- Ensure that people leave school with a degree and provide ways to catch up for those without a degree.
- Make sure that companies are open to diversity and look at potential instead of at degrees or the match with rigid job demands.
- Encourage companies to hire people without professional experience, even though they are less productive at the start or you risk losing them after a short time. Companies should consider this as a way of corporate social responsibility. Governments can give incentives.
- Provide early guidance towards the labor market for youngsters, starting at school. This should cover study choice, curriculum building, internship management, …
- If you have no opportunities for your young generation, then help them to emigrate and hope that they will return tou your country once things get better. They might remember that you’ve helped them. But deal with your brain drain.
Back to Spain
The Plaça Catalunya has been evacuated because of a soccer match between Barça and Manchester United. It’s cynical that a soccer game – the fear of riots – comes before the protesting youngsters. Barça won, and I think the crowd on the square would have celebrated with the fans. The square was empty at 8h30 but was filled again with young angry people by noon. People I talked to – both with and without a job – disapproved of the government’s approach.
But the situation is indeed cumbersome. The government led by Zapatero has no miracle cure and is faced with many challenges. What is then left for the current generation of the PIGS countries? Do they have the choice between unemployment and emigration? Will Spain sacrifice this generation and focus on the budgetary deficit? Will Spain create a future for its future generation? A social emergency plan is needed.
Read also : ILO, Global Employment Trends 2011: The challenge of a jobs recovery
