The role and challenges of public service organisations in the labour market integration of refugees: A relational perspective analysing integration measures in Austria, Finland, Germany and Sweden

Abstract

The need to integrate refugees into the labour markets across the European Union has put public service organisations at the forefront of support provision, but little is known about their role and challenges. This study investigates how these organisations in Austria, Finland, Germany and Sweden organise labour market integration support measures for refugees and the challenges they face in doing so. Using a relational framework, we draw on the understanding that labour market integration occurs at the interplay between the institutional, organisational and individual level. Thematic analysis based on 23 interviews with representatives from public service organisations and their partners revealed challenges across different levels related to specificities of refugees, mental health issues, training and motivation of staff and public‐private cooperation. We show the interrelations of these levels and implications on public service organisations. We propose a holistic approach for labour market integration support, with the organisations at the centre.

Cross‐sector collaboration for refugee employment: An anthropology of development perspective

“…Our study suggests that the main benefit of engaging with SSPs for businesses is access to a reliable refugee migrant workforce at no or relatively low cost. In contrast, studies in Europe conclude that ensuring active participation of employers remains a challenge (Besic et al, 2022). However, it will be worthwhile to better understand the extent to which large organisations are driven by corporate social responsibility logics and strategic instruments such as social procurement policies and practices.…”

“…Many of these people will eventually settle in a new country, where they will need to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. Engaging in meaningful work with a sufficient wage is a key predictor of successful refugee settlement (Fozdar & Hartley, 2013), yet multiple barriers to securing appropriate employment have been documented for refugees and people seeking asylum (Besic et al, 2022; Hiruy et al, 2019; O'Mara & Carey, 2019). Resettlement support is often provided indirectly by host governments, by commissioning third‐sector organisations to develop and deliver social, humanitarian, political and cultural services, including employment support.…”

“…Within this setting, the individual and collaborative roles of SSPs and the business sector are vital in tackling this ongoing social challenge (Lee & Szkudlarek, 2021). Hence, recent public management literature encourages research into the cross‐sector collaboration of non‐governmental public service providers and private organisations (Besic et al, 2022; Brorström & Diedrich, 2020; Osborne, 2018). In their study of public–private partnerships, Callens et al (2021) provide insights into the reinforcing nature of both contractual stimuli and collaborative activities to achieve positive outcomes.…”

Ukrainian Refugees in Bucharest: Integration, Obstacles, and Future Plans

“…Integration is a complex process that requires a publicly accessible infrastructure of services and resources to be successful (Bešić et al 2022). Among the issues that can contribute to placing or removing refugees in/from vulnerable situations are access to health services (Chiesa et al 2019), decent housing, especially in relation to refugee centres (Leiler et al 2019).…”