Social economy instruments for the labor reintegration of veterans and persons with disabilities in the labor market

Abstract

The relevance of the study is driven by the growing challenges of integrating vulnerable population groups in Ukraine into the labor market under conditions of Russia’s war against Ukraine, economic transformation, and structural changes in employment. The increasing number of veterans and persons with disabilities, along with the presence of economic, physical, institutional, and psychological barriers, necessitates the development of new approaches to ensure their effective participation in labor processes. In this context, the application of social economy instruments becomes particularly important, as they combine economic efficiency with social responsibility and contribute to the sustainable inclusion of these groups in economic activity. The purpose of the study is to substantiate social economy instruments for the integration of veterans and persons with disabilities into the labor market. Methods. The research employs methods of generalization and systematization, comparative analysis, and a structural-functional approach to develop a comprehensive model of integration mechanisms. The information base includes official statistical data, results of sociological surveys, and materials from public institutions. Results. The study analyzes the dynamics of the involvement of vulnerable groups in employment programs and identifies a gap between employers’ potential willingness to hire and the actual level of employment. Key integration constraints are identified, with economic and physical factors prevailing alongside institutional barriers. The generalization of veterans’ needs reveals a high demand for retraining, additional education, and institutional support. The study also examines state employment policy instruments and identifies a positive trend in the quantitative indicators of their implementation, particularly in the development of grant programs and employer incentives, while highlighting the fragmented nature of existing initiatives. Conclusions. The findings confirm the need to develop flexible and integrated support mechanisms for vulnerable groups. The practical significance lies in the possibility of applying the proposed model to improve state employment policy and enhance the effectiveness of integration processes.