The Unemployed Over the Age of 50 on the Labour Market – Employment Difficulties and Chosen Supportive Actions

The author deals in her article with situation of the unemployed over 50 years of age on labour market. She presents structure of this population and its place in the unemployment as a whole. The article describes occurrence of ageism, i.e. unequal treatment of this group on labour market. Employment rate of this group in Poland is one of the lowest amongst the European Union countries. The author pays attention to progressive demographic changes and the need of opening labour market to people at the age of 50 and more. This is a special group of the unemployed, which should be included in labour force. Stereotypical thinking of employers about fewer abilities of older people compared with group of 24-year-olds, is the lingering myth of Polish society. Long-term labour market policy should eliminate discriminatory actions, encourage employing people in this age group and emphasize the significance of work experience.

The contribution is focused on the analysis between education and unemployment in the Slovak Republic. There is a reciprocal proportion between education and unemployment: the lower education, the higher unemployment. It is especially typical of long-term unemployment which is highest at the lowest level of basic education. In Slovakia, young people’s unemployment rate in the age range of 15–24 is three times higher in comparison with the OECD countries. The situation necessitates a quick solution. The education level of people and a constant rise of qualifications belong to basic assumptions needed for a decrease of unemployment, an increase in labour market flexibility, and a development of national economy.