The Ministry of Social Affairs is responsible for the priority axis “Good-quality and long working life“ of the Operational Programme for Human Resource Development. Development of Estonian labour market is supported with more than 116,8 million euros during the period of 2007 – 2013.
The state’s labour market system and offering active labour market measures for the employed and unemployed people are developed and extended within the national programmes. In 2011, the activities of the programme “Increase the offering of qualified labour 2007-2013” implemented by the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund will continue. A test day at work will be added as a new service. Open calls will support in particular finding individual and innovative solutions for groups in a weaker position in the labour market.
The measure „Improving the quality of working life“ involves two programmes that are carried out by the corresponding departments of the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Labour Inspectorate. The activities of those programmes are versatile and targeted at improving the working life.For example making the work environment healthier for the employees, the employment relationship clearer and more flexible and increasing the satisfaction with the working life for both parties involved. Activities for employment relationships and working environment are funded from open-calls. Application process is co-ordinated by Foundation Innove.
Actions of the measure „Promotion of gender equality“ are carried out by the Gender Equality Department of the Ministry of Social Affairs. Applying for assistance from the open call is also possible. This measure enables the companies who want to take steps to identify the current situation and promote gender equality in the enterprise. The projects that analyse the work arrangement, staff policy, training and development activities and work environment in companies and organisations from the aspect of gender equality are funded within the above-mentioned programme. For 2011 an application round has been scheduled for activities that help to assess and raise people's awareness of gender equality, incl. research and information campaigns.
