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 increasing burden. Our children are having less economic opportunities. This happened because the government did very little about it. Had the government acted decisively to meet the challenge as it arose, none of these outcomes would have been inevitable. Now the unemployment problem has become a crisis beyond the government’s means and people are still losing their jobs.

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

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

Better organisation, investment and technology together with other strategies to improve skills, would increase productivity and employment opportunities. Investment in education and technical skills is the answer to increase productivity, which will fuel the growth of our economy. Structural investment alone is not enough. Improving 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 on 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. Just a few days ago yet more employees lost their job.

Employment must be recognised as a fundamental human right. Without access to a job, people lack the ability to ensure their own survival let alone that of their families.

The government had the responsibility to place the employment objective high on its national agenda by implementing the most effective strategy for generating necessary political will to provide job opportunities for all. A commitment by the government to generate job opportunities for every person would have increased 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 Councillor