Železiarne Podbrezová ironworks (source: SME)
Fifty Roma with low qualifications are expected to find a job with the Železiarne Podbrezová ironworks in Brezno (Banská Bystrica Region) as part of a special pilot project. Entitled A Chance for Everyone, it was launched by the Central Office of Labour, Social Affairs and Family (ÚPSVaR), with the aim to help people who are registered with labour offices for more than one year to find a job.
“Chosen employees will be put into a training centre where they will restore their work habits and gain the skills necessary for working in specific positions,” said Marián Valentovič, head of ÚPSVaR, as quoted by the TASR newswire.
Not a minimal wage
Four new work positions will be opened for coordinators. These should be the natural leaders of the Roma community who would supervise the employees.
“Besides assistance at job interviews, they will help to ensure work motivation, help applicants to familiarise themselves with a new situation, answer questions and supervise everyday attendance,” Valentovič explained, as quoted by TASR.
The first job interview will take place on December 4, with about 500 Roma being invited. The employees who will be chosen by the company will then spend the next three months in the training centre, while the ironworks will pay them.
After training, they will start their new job. Železiarne Podbrezová has promised to create positions that last for at least 15 months. The ironworks will pay half of the salary to the employee, while ÚPSVaR will pay the other half.
“The expected salary is €872 gross,” said Valentovič, as quoted by TASR.
Other regions, too
Other employers could be also interested in the project in the future, said Labour Minister Ján Richter (Smer). The ministry would also like to launch the scheme in eastern Slovakia.
“It is necessary to carry out these projects in areas with a high unemployment rate and where the Roma live,” said Richter, as quoted by TASR.
The ministry has allocated €420,000 from its budget, while the future employer will contribute the same amount.
