The Flemish Government is aiming to streamline procedures to expedite employment for individuals with physical, mental, or psychosocial disabilities in the tailor-made job sector.
There are many people in Flanders who face challenges entering the workforce due to various disabilities, with a significant number at risk of losing their unemployment benefits by 2026. To address this, the government plans to facilitate their transition to specialised enterprises.
Currently, there are around 120 tailored job companies in Flanders employing over 25,000 people. The government intends to invest €30 million to create 2,500 additional positions by the end of the legislative term.
Ministers Hilde Crevits and Zuhal Demir are focused on accelerating existing procedures. Currently, it can take up to three months for applicants to receive a decision regarding employment in these firms. The ministers want to shorten this timeframe, enabling quicker employment.
Improving the processes will allow more individuals to secure jobs in the social economy sector, says Minister Crevits. Minister Demir adds that all public social welfare centres (OCMWs) will be trained by the VDAB to guide individuals with employment challenges into the social economy, thereby enhancing their chances of securing jobs.
Municipalities will have the opportunity to train a consultant to support OCMWs in directing more people towards tailor-made employment. Additional efforts are also required from these enterprises to ensure efficient information exchange with VDAB.
