Technical Assistance to the UCBS
SME Banking & Development
Not everybody has equal access to regular employment on the Serbian labour market. Various groups face difficulties entering permanent employment, including women, youth, people with disabilities, Roma and migrants.
Duration
01/2021 - 01/2025
Client
European Investment Bank (EIB) / UniCredit Bank Srbija
Region
Europe
Country Coverage
Serbia
Not everybody has equal access to regular employment on the Serbian labour market. Various groups face difficulties entering permanent employment, including women, youth, people with disabilities, Roma and migrants.
Project Overview
The project incentivised SMEs and Mid-Caps to increase inclusive employment.
If they applied for a loan at UCBS, they could get a reward of up to 13% of the overall loan amount if they improved on certain indicators that foster inclusive employment. This included an increase in the number of employees from disadvantaged groups, but also the introduction of certain policies and procedures.
From the start of the programme, all participating companies committed to achieving the maximum in almost all categories, sending a strong signal for more inclusive employment. The programme also provided direct support to the companies, helping them to achieve the inclusive employment indicators. In addition, awareness-raising and experience-sharing events took place to increase public knowledge about the topic and motivate companies outside the programme to become more inclusive employers.
