Mismatch Between Unemployment Data and Hiring Challenges in August
The number of unemployed individuals registered with the Centro per l’impiego (the former employment office recently transferred to the Province’s jurisdiction) is three thousand, yet some companies, especially in August, are unable to find even one person for employment. This seemingly paradoxical phenomenon has several reasons, not least of which is related to the holiday season.
The right to vacation is granted to everyone, including the unemployed, especially if many of them, predominantly from southern Italy, plan to spend their holidays with family. “I understand all the reasons,” explains Giulio Freddi, president of the Associazione Industriali and owner of the prominent confectionery industry in Castiglione, “but I simply note that for a couple of days, my company tried in vain to find workers for production and cleaning activities.
Having received significant orders from abroad, I needed to proceed with immediate hires. Among the thirty unemployed individuals reported to me by the relevant offices, I found no availability; no one answered the phone.”
Analysis of Causes and Business Leaders’ Considerations
“Here, everything needs to be reconsidered,” comments Claudio Calanca, president of the Unione Provinciale Artigiani. “Our society is dominated by a work culture that is far from modernity. We can no longer solely aim for secure and permanent employment. Entrepreneurs must, as much as possible, plan their hiring processes.
This is a situation we have pointed out on multiple occasions and in every forum. Nevertheless, there are highly efficient temporary work agencies available for employment services.”
Many companies within the artisanal sector also find it difficult to find manpower, especially in construction, metalworking, transportation, food, and auto repair industries.
Profile of the Unemployed and Market Dynamics
“Most unemployed individuals,” states Vanni Dian, secretary-general of the Cgil, “are represented by women and young people with a medium to high level of education, who seek a position appropriate to their diplomas. While waiting for their desired employment, many prefer to remain registered on the lists, thus forgoing other opportunities, mainly available to unqualified personnel.
Without the necessary flexibility, cases like the ones Giulio Freddi described are not unlikely, although, to be fair, temporary employment agencies—which also work with non-EU foreigners and young people from the South—are experiencing a boom period.
These organizations are indeed capable of effectively responding to the flexibility needs expressed by companies.”