The integration of disabled individuals into the workforce remains a challenge, according to Joël Delvaux of the OGBL, who discussed the limitations of sheltered workshops and their disconnect with the private industry during a recent RTL Radio interview.
Speaking to our colleagues on Tuesday morning, Joël Delvaux, the Central Secretary of the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL), emphasised that the inclusion of disabled individuals in the workforce is still not functioning as it should. He pointed out that the transition from sheltered workshops to the primary labour market is particularly problematic, making it difficult for many to find employment outside these workshops.
The fundamental purpose of sheltered workshops, Delvaux noted, is not for people to remain there indefinitely. However, many disabled individuals spend their entire careers in these settings. This has significant drawbacks, including the fact that workers in sheltered workshops earn the minimum non-qualified wage throughout their careers. Delvaux explained that these environments offer no opportunities for promotion, career advancement, or even modest increases in pay.
Another concern raised by Delvaux is the limited variety of work available in Luxembourg's sheltered workshops. He criticised the fact that the types of production in these workshops are not aligned with the skills demanded in the primary labour market. Delvaux contrasted this with practices in other countries, where, for instance, companies often hire autistic individuals for IT roles due to their exceptional ability to hyperfocus, making them highly effective coders. In Luxembourg, however, "they sit in workshops making jam or similar things, which is completely disconnected" from the needs of the broader job market. He stressed that there is demand from businesses in Luxembourg for such specialised skills.
Delvaux also highlighted the need for improved inclusion in schools to ensure that disabled people have access to quality training and apprenticeships. He argued that disabled individuals must be able to benefit from the status of disabled employees during their apprenticeships to avoid significant challenges in securing training opportunities. Without such support, Delvaux warned, they may struggle to even find an apprenticeship.
