Nobody is Unemployable: The French Approach to Zero Long-Term Unemployment

A study visit organized by the Community of Practice on Employment, Education, and Skills took place in Nantes, France, on June 18-19, 2024. The event brought together European stakeholders from 15 EU countries representing ESF+ Managing Authorities from across the EU, line ministries, intermediate bodies, and implementing organizations to exchange effective practices and strategies for combating long-term unemployment at the territorial level. The study visit was preceded by a webinar on combatting long-term unemployment organised in March 2024, during which an overview study on long-term unemployment and job guarantee programmes was presented. ‘The study visit provides an opportunity to gain first-hand experience of this largest social experiment in this field’ states Jörg Markowitsch, thematic expert of the Community of Practice on Employment, Education and Skills. “You can write as many studies as possible, but if people can’t see it with their own eyes and talk to those involved on the ground, it remains an abstract idea” the thematic expert for the CoP on Employment, Education, and Skills adds.

The event began with a visit to Pont-Château, where the delegation was warmly welcomed by Danielle Cornet, Mayor of Pont-Château, and President of the Local Committee for Employment. The committee is responsible for mobilizing and supporting people, partners, and identifying work beneficial to the territories. This interaction provided deep insights into the local efforts and strategies for combating long-term unemployment. The national team of the French project “Territoires zéro chômeur de longue durée” (TZCLD) presented the TZCLD project’s inception, its development within the territory, and the dynamics of territorial cooperation, as well as their strategies and outcomes, fostering a rich exchange of knowledge and experiences. Participants then toured Espacea, gaining first-hand experience of the company’s innovative employment solutions and inclusive management practices. This was followed by a detailed discussion and feedback session at the Maison de l’Europe in Nantes, with key stakeholders such as Laurent Grandguillaume, President of TZCLD.

The event concluded with an engaging session on the second day at the Maison de l’Europe, where participants discussed the project’s local dynamics, challenges, and opportunities. This session included interactions with long-term unemployed individuals, project team members highlighted the community’s collective efforts towards zero long-term unemployment.

This study visit not only facilitated a rich exchange of practices and ideas but also strengthened the commitment to fostering inclusive employment opportunities across Europe. The event’s success is a testament to the collaborative spirit and shared vision of all participants. “I think this event has significantly increased the motivation to participate in the current Social Innovation+ initiative and ESFA call on Zero long-term unemployment initiatives. At least some new partnerships seem to have emerged.” Jörg Markowitsch summarised the outcome of the event. “Thanks to the 23 million euros that the European Commission is investing in further experiments in the next three years like this one in France, in Berlin or in Groningen, we will have more, even competing, approaches to tackling long-term unemployment. As researchers, we have the task of proving what works best.” 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all attendees, speakers, and organizers for making this event a remarkable success. Your dedication to advancing inclusive employment practices and empowering individuals through meaningful work continues to inspire and drive positive change in our communities.

Photos by: Yannick CHAO