The Potential of an Inclusive Labour Market: The Structural and Institutional Dimension

Abstract

This article provides comprehensively analysis of the labour market based on inclusiveness, focusing on the interaction between its key subjects: labour supply from vulnerable groups, employer demand and State regulation. The study analysed each of these aspects in terms of current trends and the impact of the war on demographic and socioeconomic processes. Using statistical data and survey results, significant imbalances in employment were identified. The size of the labour force and the vulnerability of specific categories were analysed. The study showed that, despite the business sector’s high stated willingness to hire veterans, internally displaced persons and people with disabilities, the practical implementation of inclusive measures faces significant obstacles due to a lack of awareness and knowledge of efficient approaches. Given the diversity of inclusive practices, a gap was found in capabilities between large corporations, which successfully implement such measures, and small and medium-sized enterprises, which are constrained by financial resources. The limited applicability of the inclusive approach has been identified due to the specific nature of certain sectors, which makes the service sector more accessible to vulnerable groups compared to the manufacturing sector. The activities of the State Employment Service have been examined in the context of the efficiency of the proposed measures for different population groups. Based on an analysis of statistical data, it was concluded that there is a significant difference in the integration of veterans and people with disabilities compared with the rest of the working-age population. This low level of efficiency is primarily explained by an institutional crisis, against the backdrop of which public distrust of State institutions is growing. The article emphasises the need to strengthen the role of specialist non-governmental organisations, which are better acquainted with the needs of vulnerable groups. An inclusive approach in the national labour market can be implemented if partnerships are developed, whereby the State establishes the regulatory framework, and the non-governmental sector facilitates the practical integration of vulnerable groups.