Statistics Estonia says that in the second quarter, there were over 8,300 job vacancies. The most job openings were in education, public service, and commerce.
Ain Käpp from the Estonian Employers' Confederation says that Estonia is a small country. We cannot let people be without work. The Golden League wants to help create a society where older people can work equally.
Agu Laius from the Golden League says that not all older people want to work 8 hours a day. Some need lighter working conditions. The state should think about how to help more older people into work, as there will be fewer working people in the future.
Laius and Käpp say that new laws will help. Now it is possible to work flexibly. For example, one can work fewer hours or in different places.
Käpp says that companies should think more. Older people have a lot of experience. Teams with people of different ages work well.
Starting from July, the Unemployment Insurance Fund will pay employers a subsidy if they hire people over 55. These people have been without work for a long time. Ulla Saar from the Unemployment Insurance Fund says that more older people have found work this year than last year.
Saar says that prejudices hinder. Job fairs, trial work, and job shadowing help. She visited counties and spoke with employers. Many employers were prejudiced. But after a trial period, they understood that age is not important.
Pirjo Turk from the Ministry of Economic Affairs says that the state makes laws, but the discussion continues. Changes take time because there are many stakeholders.