Flanders wants to increase the employment rate to 80%. This means that 80% of Flemish people of ‘working age’ would actually be working. There is still work to be done in all provinces, but most of all in our province. A cooperation agreement between local authorities and the VDAB can provide part of the solution. However, only 26 of the 65 Flemish Brabant authorities have such an agreement. That must change, according to Flemish faction leader Peter Van Rompuy (CD&V).
The actions resulting from cooperation agreements between the VDAB and local authorities can be very different. However, they are always in line with three strategic objectives: “More people at work. Perspective on talent for every employer and a sustainable career perspective for every citizen.”
This can translate into concrete actions such as organizing accessible, local ‘job matching initiatives’.
Collaboration between local authorities and the VDAB can therefore be worthwhile. However, this currently only happens in 26 of the 65 Flemish Brabant cities and municipalities, i.e. less than half. While our province needs it most. Because while Flanders aims for an employment rate of 80%, in Flemish Brabant it is 73.6%. The provinces of West Flanders and East Flanders, with 79.5% and 79.3% respectively, are closer to the target figure.
Peter Van Rompuy, Flemish faction leader (CD&V): “That is precisely why I have submitted a bill to the Flemish Parliament to recognize Halle-Vilvoorde as a central region. As a result, that region will receive the same resources as cities such as Antwerp and Ghent. In this way, the problems we also know here and which often have to do with language knowledge, are tackled in an appropriate way.”
Tags: Peter Van Rompuy CDV Cities municipalities Flemish Brabant collaborate VDAB Ring
: “Cities and municipalities in Flemish Brabant must collaborate more with VDAB” | Ring TV){kind=link}