Implementation of Activation Works in Slovakia. Evaluation and Recommendations for Policy Change: Final Report

Abstract

This report evaluates implementation of Activation Works – a key mainstream labor market policy measure implemented in Slovakia. The main focus is on its specific effects on Roma facing social exclusion. The key message is that Activation Works are strongly embedded in and impact local socio-economies. They increase the income of participants and provide labor services to municipal governments at no direct cost but also have a number of other effects. The measure is not very effective at improving the chances of participants to gain sustainable employment. There are wider effects – benefits and costs – to both participants and other stakeholders. These should be taken into account in analyses and decisions on Activation Works. Importantly, Activation Works fulfill a social policy function, which goes beyond employment creation per se. They serve as an important social policy instrument for people in poverty, with low education and other characteristics of exclusion. Roma are generally highly overrepresented in this group.