Minister Tomas: New Job Opportunities for Unemployed in Agriculture

Bratislava, 13 June (TASR) - Following the clearing of riverside vegetation announced by the Labour Ministry in February, the ministry is now preparing projects for the unemployed in cooperation with the Agriculture Ministry involving fruit and vegetable harvesting, cattle herding and forestry work, said Labour Minister Erik Tomas (Voice-SD) at a joint press conference with Agriculture Minister Richard Takac (Smer-SD) on Friday. “We're introducing pilot projects in the field of agriculture. There will be three project categories. The first category involves seasonal work, specifically in fruit and vegetable growing and viticulture. The second category concerns herding, which will involve looking after cattle, sheep and goats, while the third category is forestry work, such as forest clearing, revitalisation and other similar activities,” explained Tomas. Disadvantaged job-seekers should be given the opportunity to work in social enterprises in which EU funds can also be used. Tomas clarified that disadvantaged job-seekers aren't only people with disabilities, but also those with low qualifications or the long-term unemployed. If they refuse the work, they may lose their material-need benefits as of September, when the new law will come into force. lin/df