Last modified: 2020-02-27
Abstract
Unemployment of people with disabilities is one of the key problems in many countries, and the reasons for this situation are multiple and influenced by a number of factors. People with disabilities are often regarded as unproductive citizens, unable to carry out their duties and responsibilities so that their rights are ignored. The employment of people with disabilities in the labor market in the Republic of North Macedonia is recognized in the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and is regulated by the Law on Labor Relations, which prohibits the employer putting the candidate for employment in unequal position on the basis of his health or disability. Article27 of the Convention deals with the work and employment of people with disabilities as the best way for their social integration. In that direction, the state is required to prohibit discrimination in respect of all aspects of employment, including conditions for candidate selection, employment, career advancement and job security. People with disabilities are under-represented in the workforce, often facing discrimination by employers, and often not served and protected effectively.
The paper presents the results of the research whose main goal is to map the situation regarding the employment of people with disabilities in the Republic of North Macedonia. The method of descriptive analysis is used. The research was conducted using an appropriately prepared questionnaire, attached to a sample of 327 people with different disabilities. To support the active participation of people with disabilities in society and the economy, this paper gives some recommendations for empowerment and facilitate economic independence for people with disabilities.