The topic for today is ‘’labour mobility’’.
Task 1.
Read the text below to get the general idea:
The term ‘’labour mobility’’ has a triple meaning. It can either refer to the movement of workforce from one place to another or from one profession to another. The third one is used with reference to the act of upgrading skills from a lower to an upper level. The following text, however, will only focus on the first definition, e.g. the mobility of people is search of new job opportunities.
According to economists, the phenomenon of labour mobility is still rarely observed in Europe, in comparison to America where workers are more eager to move around the country to look for a new job., The situation slowly changes in the euro-zone in the times of crisis. The Europeans have not become historically accustomed to changing jobs as frequently as their American colleagues who tend to be less stressed and therefore more open to new work challenges abroad. Job shortages or the long-term lack of permanent employment in the EU make more and more people consider emigration as the ultimate solution. However, there are some common impediments which might hamper the worker mobility between countries. First of all, international discrepancies in qualifications required for a particular position may be too hard to overcome by the majority of graduates. Secondly, inadequate or inefficient housing schemes existing in foreign countries can make it almost impossible for young people to find affordable or suitable accommodation. Thirdly, the lack of unified standards for skills and vocations make certain professions less accessible even for highly educated and experienced employees. Moreover, serious language barriers along with significant cultural differences may constitute important obstacles for immigrants. Finally, the existence of minimum wage laws , the constant reliance on unemployment benefits or participating in social care programmes offered by local governments for a long time, may also damage self-esteem and, in fact, discourage people from active pursuit of a secure job in the future.
Summing up, international labour mobility is a very interesting concept which can significantly change the way people live and work. On the other hand, it may cause a lot of problems and distress among potential job seekers throughout the world. However, in times of a global crisis it is certainly worth considering.
Task 2.
Study the text carefully and decide whether the sentences below are true (T) or false (F):
1. According to the text, American citizens are more mobile than the Europeans. …..
2. The Americans prefer to look for new job opportunities abroad than at home. …..
3. Secure and permanent jobs are no longer the norm. …..
4. Life-time employment is only offered in the euro-zone countries. …..
5. The majority of graduates lack necessary skills and knowledge. …..
6. There are some obstacles to overcome if you want to emigrate. …..
7. The author suggests that some jobs are obtainable only for certain people. …..
8. The inability to speak a foreign language might become a serious problem for job seekers. . …..
9. Cheap housing is now publicly available in most countries. …..
10. Social benefits encourage people to explore the job market. …..
Task 3.
Watch the video Educated youth migrate … and choose correct words to complete the sentences below:
1. Anna and Eduardo both hold college/university degrees.
2. Anna/Eduardo has a degree in international relations and political science.
3. Anna/Eduardo has a Masters Degree in biomedical engineering.
4. Anna/Eduardo has been looking for a new job for a long time.
5. Portuguese graduates are more and more bitter/litter and rebellious.
6. According to the ILO secure jobs have become more/less accessible for many young people.
7. Highly educated people in Portugal are forced to give up/look for job opportunities abroad.
8. Companies in Portugal are looking/are not looking for skills which are taught at universities.
9. At present emigration/immigration seems to be the only perspective for young graduates like Anna and Eduardo.
10. Long-term/Chronic unemployment damages self-esteem and erodes skills.
KEY TO EXERCISES
Task 2.
1. According to the text, American citizens are more mobile than the Europeans. ..T..
2. The Americans prefer to look for new job opportunities abroad than at home. ..F..
3. Secure and permanent jobs are no longer the norm. ..T..
4. Life-time employment is only offered in the euro-zone countries. ..F..
5. The majority of graduates lack necessary skills and knowledge. ..F..
6. There are some obstacles to overcome if you want to emigrate. ..T..
7. The author suggests that some jobs are obtainable only for certain people. ..T..
8. The inability to speak a foreign language might become a serious problem for job seekers. . ..T..
9. Cheap housing is now publicly available in most countries. ..F..
10. Social benefits encourage people to explore the job market. ..F..
Task 3.
1. Anna and Eduardo both hold college/university degrees.
2. Anna/Eduardo has a degree in international relations and political science.
3. Anna/Eduardo has a Masters Degree in biomedical engineering.
4. Anna/Eduardo has been looking for a new job for a long time.
5. Portuguese graduates are more and more bitter/litter and rebellious.
6. According to the ILO secure jobs have become more/less accessible for many young people.
7. Highly educated people in Portugal are forced to give up/look for job opportunities abroad.
8. Companies in Portugal are looking/are not looking for skills which are taught at universities.
9. At present emigration/immigration seems to be the only perspective for young graduates like Anna and Eduardo.
10. Long-term/Chronic unemployment damages self-esteem and erodes skills.
LEKCJA DO POBRANIA:
Labour mobility
Labour mobility – KEY
