Linking Unemployment Benefits to Supporting the Elderly and Vulnerable Groups
In Spain, the number of people without jobs exceeds two and a half million. At the same time, the social services network faces increasing pressure, partly due to the aging population. There is an alternative that is not often considered: allowing those receiving unemployment benefits to collaborate in support programs. This activity could strengthen essential sectors without creating new expenses for the state. 🤝
Strengthening the Support Network with Existing Resources
The model proposes that unemployed people, while receiving their subsidy, can perform support tasks that do not require specialized qualifications but are essential. We are talking about accompanying elderly people with errands, helping with logistics in day centers, or providing basic assistance at home. This would alleviate the burden currently borne by public services and families, generating an immediate community benefit. Participants would retain their right to the economic benefit intact.
Key activities that could be developed:- Accompaniment and social support for people living alone.
- Assistance with basic household tasks and logistics in residences or centers.
- Support in organizing and energizing activities in day centers.
Thus, while you search for formal employment, you already gain practice for when you need to care for your family members... or yourself, because time advances for everyone.
How to Design an Effective and Fair System
For this approach to work, it must be planned precisely. The tasks must be defined as complementary and in no case can they replace salaried jobs. Participation must always be voluntary and compatible with actively seeking stable employment. The experience gained can significantly improve job prospects, especially in high-demand sectors like caregiving.
Basic principles for implementing the model:- Tasks are auxiliary and do not substitute paid employment.
- Participation is voluntary and compatible with job searching.
- The goal is to optimize unemployment funds and strengthen the social fabric.
A Tangible Return for Society
The benefit for the system is twofold. On one hand, economic resources allocated to unemployment are better utilized, as added social value is generated. On the other, the support network for the most fragile groups is strengthened without the need for additional structural investments. It is a formula that seeks to create synergies within the welfare state, connecting a labor need with an urgent social demand. 💡