The Disadvantage of Healthy Workers Due to Distorted Equal Opportunity Rules for People with Disabilities

The issue of labor market integration and social support for people with disabilities is an increasingly important topic today. In many countries, the state provides various incentives, benefits, and financial aids to promote the employment of this group, aiming to foster equal opportunities and economic inclusion.

However, the complexity of the support system raises several problems. People with disabilities often receive state pensions, in-kind benefits, and frequently, through family members, caregiving allowances that provide financial support to the caregivers.

At the same time, there are numerous cases where people with disabilities and their caregivers engage in undeclared work. This activity, typically paid in cash or through in-kind compensation, is separate from the official support system but causes significant distortions in the labor market.

This creates an unfair competitive environment for healthy, professionally qualified workers. The advantage derived from benefits, combined with undeclared work, reduces their competitiveness, suppresses wages, and negatively affects professional development and the healthy functioning of the labor market in the long run.

Particularly serious is the fact that states still have to provide support to people with disabilities, while part of the labor market does not function properly, and healthy workers bear an increasing financial burden due to declining state revenues. This situation is unsustainable and may lead to higher taxes and growing social tensions over time.

It is also important to question why people with disabilities receive different treatment in terms of social support and employment compared to, for example, parental leave benefits, where healthy citizens receive temporary support while being allowed to work under certain conditions. For the healthy functioning of the labor market, a similar approach balancing support and employment would be advisable.

It must not be overlooked that authorities need to strictly combat undeclared work, especially among people with disabilities and their caregivers. Transparent monitoring of income is essential to prevent the support system from encouraging rule violations and to ensure that everyone contributes responsibly to society.

Furthermore, significant shortcomings exist in monitoring the competence of caregivers. In many cases, individuals receiving caregiving allowances are not actually capable of adequately caring for those dependent on them. For example, someone caring for a visually impaired parent might not be able to perform basic tasks like preparing a meal, yet they still receive state support without any oversight.

This lack of control exacerbates distortions in the support system and leads to inefficient use of resources, putting the care of those truly in need at risk.

Overall, establishing a balance between social solidarity and economic efficiency is indispensable for labor market stability and the sustainability of welfare systems. Only then can true integration, fair competition, and professional development be ensured for all stakeholders.