What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The Turkish government has announced a new framework aimed at addressing the country's high levels of 'idle workforce,' particularly focusing on young individuals who are neither in education nor employment. This initiative is part of the 2026-2028 Medium-Term Program, which seeks to instill a work culture from an early age and prepare individuals for the labor market. The program includes job counseling and active labor market programs for those classified as part of the potential labor force. Additionally, the government plans to enhance the link between social assistance and employment schemes, encouraging welfare recipients to participate in skill-building programs. Retraining opportunities will be provided for those unable to find jobs matching their qualifications, and parental leave regulations will be revised to promote balanced caregiving responsibilities. The framework is expected to guide future initiatives, although no specific programs have been launched yet.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is significant as it addresses the broader issue of unemployment in Turkey, particularly among the youth. The 'idle workforce' includes individuals not fully captured in standard unemployment statistics, such as those willing to work but not actively seeking jobs, seasonal workers, and part-time employees desiring full-time positions. With the official unemployment rate at 8% in July, the broader measure remains high, affecting over 10 million people. Among young people aged 18-24, 31.3% are neither in education nor employment, compared to an OECD average of 14.1%. This disengagement from the labor market poses a significant challenge, and the government's strategy aims to reduce this gap, potentially leading to a more robust and inclusive economy.
What's Next?
The Turkish government is expected to develop specific programs based on the announced framework. These initiatives will likely involve collaboration with educational institutions, businesses, and social services to provide comprehensive support for young people entering the workforce. The success of these programs could lead to a decrease in the idle workforce and improve overall employment rates. Stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and employers, will be closely monitoring the implementation and outcomes of these initiatives to ensure they effectively address the challenges faced by the youth in Turkey.
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