Paper: Roma must be integrated into Hungarian workforce

Unless companies in Hungary change their policies and start employing more Roma (Gypsy) workers, the country's economy will collapse, writes mfor.hu. In 50 years, there will be 70% more people of Roma origin living in Hungary, while the non-Roma population is expected to decline by 20%.

A study conducted by economists for the Central European Management Intelligence (CEMI) has concluded that if the ratio of non-working to employed citizens grows from the current 2.3:1 to 3:1 by 2050, the economy will not be able to finance the welfare system. Today, every fifth or sixth child born in Hungary is of Roma origin. It is estimated that their number will grow from 700,000 to 1.2 million in the next 50 years. At the same time, the non-Roma population will decline from 9.5 million to 7.6 million.

The rate of discrimination against Roma applicants at workplaces in Hungary is one of the highest among European countries. Most companies claim a lack of skills and experience are the main reasons for not employing more Roma. In addition, many employers say that Roma are slow to adapt to regular working hours, rules and long-time employment, so they often skip work. In Hungary, even major employers rarely accept Roma applicants, and if they do, it is usually just to show that the company does not discriminate against them.

A recent study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) points out that it is the responsibility of the Hungarian private business sector - as well as the government - to deal with the problem. Around 60% to 70% of all workers are employed by small and medium-sized businesses and Roma mainly populate the country's less developed Northern and Eastern regions, where large businesses are not represented.

Within the framework of an ILO project, an educational material has been developed to help Hungarian and Hungary-based companies to identify and eliminate discrimination, and to learn about the legal aspects of equal opportunity employment. Although no included in this program, the ILO believes workplace training courses are an important tool in lessening tension between employees.

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