An inclusive working life – a future-oriented priority for the Nordic region
Disability issues
In order for more persons with disabilities to participate in the labour market, the labour market itself must become more inclusive. In the Nordic region, there is a need to strengthen both knowledge and cooperation to promote an inclusive working life.
The Nordic countries are facing major challenges in the labour market, including an ageing population, labour shortages, and rapid digitalisation. At the same time, persons with disabilities encounter barriers to entering and fully participating in working life. The project An Inclusive Working Life – A Future-Oriented Priority for the Nordic Region aims to identify and highlight solutions and research that support labour market inclusion for persons with disabilities in the Nordic region.
Objectives
The overall aim of the project is to contribute to a more inclusive working life in which persons with disabilities have the same opportunities as others to participate in the labour market. The long-term goal is for labour market inclusion to become an integral part of the sustainability efforts of companies and public authorities in the Nordic region.
Specific project objectives include:
- Collecting and disseminating knowledge on successful methods and solutions for inclusive work environments, including the use of AI and digitalisation.
- Strengthening data collection and knowledge about the implementation of Article 27 – Work and Employment of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) across the Nordic region.
- Promoting broad-based cooperation among stakeholders in the Nordic countries to enhance participation in the labour market.
The Right to Work under Article 27
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, particularly Article 27, affirms the right of persons with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others. The Convention emphasises the importance of an inclusive and accessible work environment, and the obligation of employers to provide reasonable accommodation.
Despite this, the Nordic countries face several challenges, including discrimination, the lack of accessible workplaces, and gaps in the transition from school to employment.
Mandate and Scope
The Nordic Welfare Centre will carry out this Nordic cooperation project in dialogue with public authorities, researchers, the business community, and disability organisations.
Project activities will include:
- Mapping and conducting workshops on relevant research and promising practice
- Organising webinars and a final conference
- Producing two reports: a knowledge compilation and a compilation of case examples
The project is expected to contribute to concrete policy recommendations and to strengthen Nordic cooperation in the field of inclusive working life.
Photo: Chansom Pantip/iStockphoto
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