Employment policy
Simplified bureaucracy and meaningful activation
Status
Odense Municipality faces significant challenges with high unemployment compared to the six largest cities in Denmark. In particular, citizens from non-Western backgrounds are overrepresented among those receiving public benefits.
At the same time, we can see that young citizens are increasingly being granted early disability pensions. This is a challenge that must be addressed.
Studies also show that many non-Western citizens possess resources that are often underestimated when meeting the public employment system. We want to change this approach so citizens are met at eye level to a greater extent and can see purpose in the process they are part of.
Needs and challenges
Employment policy can be improved in a number of areas, including:
- Bureaucracy must be simplified so that internal processes do not hinder citizens' opportunities.
- We must reduce the inappropriate granting of early disability pensions to young people, which prematurely removes them from the labor market.
- Too many citizens with non-Western backgrounds remain outside the labor market.
- Focus must be placed on activating young citizens through earlier prevention and support.
Summary
To tackle these challenges, Odense Municipality must implement a holistic approach that focuses on prevention and integration, combined with quality improvements based on what actually works.
Political proposals for employment policy
- Set the employees free: Employees must have the freedom to utilize their skills and education to a higher degree.
- A leaner organization: The organizational structure must be made more agile and accessible to both citizens and the business community.
- Collaboration with private actors: We must work with private actors to upskill and develop employees, creating a positive work culture when engaging with job seekers. A positive approach will make the entire process more effective.
- Coaching: There must be an increased focus on a coaching approach for job seekers, especially those on the margin of the labor market, utilizing private actors who possess expertise in this field.
- Faster job clarification: Obviously sick and weakened citizens should not be unnecessarily burdened with meaningless activities and interviews. Instead, they must receive a real and dignified job clarification as quickly as possible.
- More young people under 30 in the labor market: An increased focus on ensuring that young people under 30 on public support enter educational programs or employment, enabling them to become active participants in the workforce community.