Greece’s Employment Overhaul Faces Test in Reaching Its Most Vulnerable

Greece has modernised its employment services with digital tools, but still struggles to identify and support its most vulnerable jobseekers effectively. The OECD recommends a data-driven, personalised approach that combines technology with human support to ensure no one is left behind in the labour market.

Greece is at a turning point in how it supports people struggling to find work. A major study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), prepared with Greece’s Public Employment Service (DYPA) and backed by partners like the European Commission and the World Bank, shows that while reforms are underway, bigger changes are still needed. The goal is simple but ambitious: help those furthest from the labour market find stable jobs and rebuild their lives.

Over the past few years, Greece has modernised its employment services through the “Jobs Again” reform. Many services are now online, jobseekers can access remote counselling, and digital tools are being introduced to match people with jobs. These steps have made the system faster and more accessible. But the report makes it clear that technology alone is not enough to solve the toughest problems.

The People Most at Risk Are Still Being Missed

The biggest challenge lies in identifying and helping the most vulnerable jobseekers. These include people who have been unemployed for a long time, those with low education, disabilities, or difficult personal circumstances. Many face multiple barriers at once, making it much harder to return to work.

Currently, DYPA uses a profiling system based mainly on questionnaires. Jobseekers answer questions about their skills and experience, and then they are placed into categories based on how ready they are for work. But in practice, this system does not work well. Most people end up in the same middle category, making it hard to tell who really needs urgent support.

Even more worrying, many vulnerable individuals do not complete the process at all. Language issues, low digital skills, or distrust of institutions prevent them from fully engaging. As a result, those who need help the most are often overlooked.

Why Better Data Can Change Everything

The report strongly argues for a smarter, data-driven approach. Instead of relying only on questionnaires, Greece can use existing administrative data such as employment history, education level, and past unemployment spells. This data can give a clearer picture of each jobseeker’s situation.

A new digital tool is proposed to bring all this information together. It would not just label people as “high” or “low” risk, but also explain why they are struggling. For example, it could show whether someone lacks skills, has a long employment gap, or faces other barriers.

This information would be presented in a simple dashboard for employment counsellors. With this, counsellors could design more personalised plans and focus their time on those who need the most support.

Technology Should Support, Not Replace, People

Despite the push for digital tools, the report emphasises that human judgement remains essential. Employment counsellors play a key role in understanding personal situations that data cannot fully capture. The aim is not to replace them with algorithms, but to give them better tools to do their job.

Another major issue is the lack of coordination between services. Many vulnerable jobseekers need more than just help finding a job. They may also need housing, healthcare, childcare, or legal support. Right now, access to these services depends too much on chance and individual counsellors’ knowledge.

The report suggests creating a digital system that maps available services and helps counsellors connect jobseekers to the right support. This would make assistance more consistent and effective.

The Road Ahead: More Support, Better Access

Capacity is another big challenge. Greek employment counsellors handle very large caseloads, leaving little time for personalised support. One solution is to work with external providers who can offer specialised help, especially for people with complex needs.

At the same time, digitalisation must not exclude those who are already disadvantaged. Not everyone can easily use online systems. For this reason, face-to-face services remain crucial. Expanding specialised offices and in-person support will help ensure that no one is left behind.

The message from the OECD report is clear. Greece has made strong progress in modernising its employment services, but the next step is to make them smarter, more targeted, and more human-centred. If done right, these reforms could transform lives and create a more inclusive labour market for the future.