Working towards solidarity
The Europe-specific means to an Information Society is replacing the traditional technological approaches as a progressive move forward. Along with these changes, however, are certain risk factors that threaten certain groups of workers with social exclusion. Therefore action needs be taken towards establishing solidarity, not in terms of mere material security but rather in connecting those who have been excluded with the rest of society. The underlying approach toward this goal lies in viewing work as a social right and thereby emphasising employment rather than social welfare as a means to the solution. The target group is comprised of unemployed and those who have left school since they are usually faced with the most difficulty in finding jobs. Developing their skills is not sufficient in eradicating the problem. Rather, a more fundamental approach is necessary in order to change things from the ground up. The position of the labour market as a whole needs to be strengthened in order to better prepare workers for what lies ahead. If people are empowered through lifelong learning, they are more likely to encounter a more assuring work environment and less likely to be faced with unemployment in the future. This exemplifies the circular notion of employment giving way to more employment. Older people are also protected from the risk of becoming unemployed via collective agreements and legal regulations. A five-stage model of social exclusion has been developed complete with suggested strategies for intervention ranging in level accordingly. What it comes down to in the end is not only equipping people with skills but also providing them with choices by re-establishing their bonds with society at large.
