Slovak govt adopts strategy to tackle long-term unemployment

Inclusion of the long-term unemployed and a more targeted provision of social benefits are among the key points of a document on tackling poverty and social exclusion approved by the cabinet on Wednesday. The labour ministry, which drew up the paper, noted that targeted measures from the past have helped in reducing unemployment. Nonetheless, when it comes to the long-term jobless, their joining the labour market is being frequently prevented by their lack of skills - both professional and social - and of working habits. The ministry intends partly to resolve the situation by supporting social economy businesses in order to give an impetus to sectors and regions able to generate jobs for the long-term unemployed.