The role of the public employment service with regards to the conservation of an inclusive workplace in Malta

Abstract

Employment, education and housing are all of major concern to the human being as they enhance one's life on both personal and social levels. Unfortunately, in this day and age, some people still face barriers in satisfying such needs due to their upbringing, health or behaviour so much so that they are considered to be the least advantaged groups in society. Consequently, the implementation of inclusive policies by governments is deemed to be healthy for such groups so as to facilitate their access to an improved quality of life and to defend them against potential discriminatory offences. However, governments must beware that such policies do not place their target segment in a niche and separate it from the functioning of the other constituents of society. In view of such debate, this research study examines the success or otherwise of inclusive policies in the light of one major areas of government activity - the employment sector. It focuses on the implementation of such policies by the local Public Employment Service in the case of one of the least advantaged groups in society - persons with disability; and reviews the extent to which such policies result in beneficial outcomes as regards the employability of the members of this group