More than 500 unemployed Estonians over 55 found jobs this year
Estonia's Unemployment Insurance Fund reports that over 500 people aged 55 and older have found work this year. Older jobseekers in Ida-Viru County, in eastern Estonia, often struggle to get hired.
More than 500 Estonian residents aged 55 and older who had been unemployed have found jobs this year, according to figures from the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund (Töötukassa). The fund is the state agency that helps jobless people through retraining, career counselling and work placements at companies. Finding work is especially hard in Ida-Viru County, in eastern Estonia, where even experienced jobseekers with an education can run into difficulties.
One jobseeker's story
One of those who had to find a new professional path is Olga, a resident of Ida-Viru County. She says that not only age but also health limits her options, so she cannot accept just any job. Her story was reported by the ETV+ programme "Narva Studio".
Olga did not find a suitable solution right away. After consulting a specialist, she took a debtor counselling course paid for by the fund. Previously she had not expected to use her law degree in Estonia, as she believed that working in her field required perfect Estonian. The training helped her find a use for her knowledge at the intersection of several areas. She is now building her own business and sets her workload according to her health.
What support the fund offers
Inga Pilder, head of the fund's Narva office, says workplace training at a company is effective: according to her, more than 80% of participants go on to find employment. Fund representatives note that older employees can be valuable to employers because they are responsible, loyal and experienced, and often help train younger colleagues.
Employers also receive financial support. If the programme's conditions are met, the fund pays a subsidy equal to half of the gross salary of an employee over 55 for six months.
This year's hires span a range of sectors, from construction and industry to retail and education. At the end of September, about 8,000 people in this age group were registered as unemployed in Estonia, including roughly 1,550 in Ida-Viru County.
