Brussels (The Brussels Morning newspaper): Brussels unemployment reaches 7-year high at 93,416, with 14.9% jobless rate. Young and educated hit hardest. Actiris faces criticism but collaborates to create opportunities through partnerships and projects.
In July the job agency in Brussels Actiris reported that 93,416 people in Brussels are without a job. This is an increase of 4,185 people compared to last year the highest number in 7 years. The percentage of people looking for work in Brussels is 14.9%. There are more educated people and young individuals without jobs. Hassan Al Hilou from the organization Capital criticized Actiris, saying they are not connecting well with young people.
How is Actiris addressing youth unemployment and engagement challenges in Brussels?
Nora Ed-Daoui from Actiris says they’re working hard to help everyone find jobs by collaborating with partners, employers and education. They’ve made progress but still face challenges. Al Hilou mentioned that young people find Actiris unfriendly and intimidating. Ed-Daoui emphasizes the need for teamwork to create fair job opportunities by encouraging employers to hire diversely and schools to teach relevant skills. Actiris aims to assist different groups like young people long-term jobless individuals and those with disabilities. By working together Ed-Daoui believes they can develop better and fairer ways to help everyone find employment.
“We have partnerships with organizations that have the expertise to work with young people”
Nora Ed-Daoui, spokesperson for Actiris
Ed-Daoui says Actiris works with many partners around 200 to help young people find jobs. They started a big project in January 2024 to help vulnerable young people get closer to job opportunities. Actiris also has a good relationship with over 11,000 employers in Brussels with an 85% satisfaction rate. They focus on meeting the needs and expectations of these employers. Ed-Daoui says Actiris has many job seekers but some don’t show up causing delays. She mentions that 75% of Actiris staff help job seekers with 39% in the Job Seeker Directorate. Despite criticism Ed-Daoui explains that Actiris needs resources for guiding job seekers and supporting employers which requires a budget. She notes that they have had to cut back on staff due to budget constraints imposed by the Brussels government.
