A new programme for supporting the integration of people with reduced working capacity into the labour market was set up in 2007 as part of Norway's Plan of Action against poverty. 

Host Country : Norway

Place and date : Oslo, 29. - 30.10.2009

Peer countries : Austria - Cyprus - Ireland - Poland - Romania - Spain - United Kingdom

Stakeholders : EAPN

The programme is targeted at people with a severely diminished working capacity, a low income, long-term dependency on social assistance, and limited access to training and activation programmes. The aim is to help them into full-time employment through a personalised two-year scheme under which they receive fixed income support. 

However, persuading vulnerable people to participate in the programme and putting in place a mix of employment, social and fiscal measures that corresponds to their multiple and complex needs are major challenges. 

The Peer Review will address these challenges and the best way of responding to them and will enable Member States to exchange views on this issue.

Peer Review manager

Ms Monika Natter (ÖSB Consulting GmbH)