Description:

The “Study on alternative employment models for persons with disabilities: Set-up, working conditions and pathways to the open labour market in inclusive enterprises and sheltered workshops (Final report)” is a part of the European Commission’s Disability Employment Package (DEP). DEP was launched in 2022 to increase employment opportunities and job quality for persons with disabilities, being a part of the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2021-2030).

This study explores the set-up, working conditions and pathways to the open labour market through a variety of protected employment models, as well as supported employment.

Built on in-depth case studies from 8 EU countries and 20 inspiring good practices, the study proposes 16 policy recommendations to strengthen pathways to mainstream markets.

The report also explores:

• How different alternative employment models operate, their legal frameworks and working conditions.
• The extent to which these models enable the transition to the open labour market.

Read EASPD Briefing paper here

Citation:

EASPD (2025). Briefing Paper on the Study on Alternative Employment Models for Persons with Disabilities.

Author:

Lyzaveta Drannikova, Policy and Project Officer, EASPD 

Date 

Brussels, May 2025.