From job security to the developing concept of unemployment

Abstract

In today's modern society the success or otherwise of the labour market is challenged by several problems. The stability which used to encircle the right to work is nowadays being destabilised by the ever growing concern of unemployment. Whilst traditionally many engaged in employment with a security that it would be for life, unemployment is nowadays making job security illusionary since the word unemployment in itself also denotes the loss of one's job. The causes of unemployment can be attributed to various stakeholders including the employer and employees themselves as parties to the employment relationship, as well as the country's socio-economic state of affairs. Contract termination, different types of dismissal, transfer of business, redundancy, contract variation and the introduction of technology are some of the major causes of unemployment attributable to the employer and the employee. On the other hand deficit and economic recess are two major factors aiding in the augmentation of unemployment, for which the State is to blame. Aiming at a healthier employment relationship which safeguards the rights of the parties thereto necessitated the introduction of legislation and the adoption of numerous employment policies. This in turn gained the active participation of various stakeholders with major contributions from the International Labour Organization and the European Union. Guided by these institutions both the Government and entities like Trade Unions and the Employment and Training Corporation devised localised unemployment reduction strategies. Starting off with the premise that contracts of employment offer job security the identification of various causes of unemployment defies this perception. Notwithstanding these challenges this research identifies remedies like alternative employment, unemployment benefits, and work-family balance. The point, however, remains as to whether these remedies are effectively keeping at bay the reality of unemployment.