Open employment in Spain. Why have we still not taken the decisive step?

Abstract

Spain was one of the first countries in Europe to initiate supported employment. However, its development compared with sheltered employment has not been positive. This article attempts to answer why we have not been able to make this decisive step forward towards the ordinary labor market. One of the keys to this has been the priorities in the social policies reflected at the various levels of financial investment in both types of employment. Where funding has gone hand-in-hand with supported employment programs, the results have enabled a significant increase in instances of vocational integration in competitive employment. Another key to explaining the lack of progress is pressure and influence in the face of sector management that defends sheltered employment. The article concludes with proposals for forward movement, and stresses that public policies and financial investment need to aim for the highest possible level of integration and normalization with regard to people who are significantly limited in their day-to-day functioning.