Roma employment improves amidst continuous disparity

A study showed that employment of the Roma and their position in the labour market have improved, said a press release issued by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

Commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment on the employment, entrepreneurship and labour market integration of the Roma, the study said that there is also some indication that self-employment among the Roma is increasing.

Despite these developments, the Roma continue to face prejudices and discrimination.

This can be attributed to an improvement in the level of education and to a more positive attitude towards education.

Unemployment continues to be higher among the Roma than among the majority population.

Obstacles to employment typically include a low level of education, lack of work experience, cultural factors and discrimination in the labour market.

Education paths among the Roma continue to be more fragmented than among the rest of the population. The Roma are employed in a number of different fields but predominantly in positions requiring little or no education and training. Reasons for this, according to the study, are a lack of pioneers and role models, combined with lack of information on occupational and educational choices. Other reasons may include a low level of confidence among Roma youth in their own abilities as students and as employees.