From Mr M. Fava

The major cause of concern for governments around the world is unemployment. It seems that millions around the world and thousands in Malta are unable to find jobs. Technology is replacing human labour. Welfare systems are collapsing under an unconquerable burden. Our children have less economic opportunities. This is happening because the government is doing nothing about it. Had the government acted decisively to meet the challenges as they arose none of these results would have been inevitable. Now the unemployment problem has become a crisis beyond the government’s control.

When job opportunities are not available, social tension and insecurity threaten society. Without sufficient opportunities of employment, people lack the purchasing power needed. Lack of employment opportunities is also directly linked to destruction of human development.

The government is not addressing this problem from a long-term perspective. If we face the challenge correctly, technological development should create many more jobs not destroy them. Furthermore, it also helps to create quality jobs.

Better organisation, investment and technology together with other strategies to improve skills, increase productivity and employment opportunities. Investment in education and technical skills is the answer to increase productivity, as this will fuel the growth of our economy. Improving the quality and quantity of primary education is the single most effective measure for continuous job growth. Promotion of small businesses, improved vocational training and flexible labour markets and employment-oriented education are the key elements of a successful job creation strategy.

A good government is judged by its capacity to develop and meet the employment needs of its people. The present job crisis is largely structural and a radical change is essential and inevitable. Employment must be recognised as a fundamental human right. Without access to jobs, people lack the ability to ensure their own survival let alone of their families.

The government has the responsibility to place the employment objective high on its national agenda by implementing the most effective strategy for generating the necessary political will to provide job opportunities for all.

A commitment by the government to generate job opportunities for everybody will increase consumer confidence, demand, production, jobs and tax revenue. Unfortunately, the words “commitment” and “Nationalist government” hardly ever go together as well as our daily bread and butter!

Mario Fava

SWIEQI