Only 494 people are currently involved in the mandatory community service system for the unemployed in Flanders, confirms Flemish Minister of Work Jo Brouns (CD&V).
The system’s purpose is to employ those who have been jobless for two years. These individuals are required to perform specified tasks for between one and two days a week over a six month period.
These tasks, completed for local authorities, can include roles such as a road sweeper, school bus guide, or part of the parks department. This equates to a maximum of 64 hours per month.
The unemployed retain their benefits, supplemented with an allowance of €1.30 per hour for their community service.
With more than 64,000 Flemish residents unemployed for over two years, and only 494 of them involved in mandatory community service, the scheme is not being seen as a resounding success.
"There are various measures to guide the unemployed towards work," explains the Christian democrat Minister of Work Jo Brouns to VRT. "Community service is one of them. The aim is to gain work experience and eventually find a suitable job."
In light of government formation talks and future labour market policy, Brouns stresses the importance of a "very thorough critique" of all current measures.
"There are competing systems," says Brouns, not ruling out a reform. "Why don’t we integrate the systems? It’s much more efficient, especially for local authorities who play a vital role in employing people. That’s certainly part of the debate on the job market."
