Eurofound published a new report on active inclusion of young people with health problems or disabilities. The report underlines that there are good practices across the European Union that include flexible benefits, promotion of better school-to-work transitions and taking a pathways-to-employment approach. However, the report also points out that until now public policies have not given enough support to implementation of this positive and pro-active approach.

Eurofound, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, argues in the report entitled 'Active inclusion of young people with disabilities or health problems' that there is a need and opportunity to bring these young people into focus. The report also stressed that the most appropriate strategy seems to be 'active inclusion' with its emphasis on joined up actions across the pillars of flexible income support, inclusive labour market measures, access to social and health services and lifelong learning. In December 2011, the Commission launched public consultation on plans for breaking down barriers to European with disabilities.

The main aim of the research reported is to examine how the policies have been implemented to move young people with health problems or disabilities from inactivity into employment. The report identifies a trend towards dealing with the needs of people with health problems or disabilities in mainstream rather than specialist services.

The report showcases 44 innovative case studies across the member states. However the targeting of young people with disabilities or health problems by these measures varies considerably across the Member States. The good practice examples show hot to strengthen the integrated approach to skills development, training and job placement. The cases underline the value of rapid placement in a real job to ensure momentum is maintained. The role of mental health problems as a factor in the social as well as economic exclusion of the target group needs to be addressed more effectively. Finally some employers need support with the recruitment, acknowledgment and retention of staff with disabilities.