Emprego e recurso à economia paralela pelas pessoas que usam drogas num contexto de crise económica e de austeridade

: estudo exploratório

Abstract

The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Portuguese Government and troika, following the economic and financial crisis that started in 2008, defined a set of measures for reducing public spending, reorganizing the public sector and reducing the "rigidity" of the labour market which have been generating negative effects on the situation of people who use drugs (PWUD), namely by a reduction in public spending on social services and in the provision of services for PWUD. This situation is particularly acute in a country that is internationally recognized for having a cross sectoral drug policy model, which include measures directed at prevention, harm reduction, treatment and socio-professional reintegration. In addition to the effects of the crisis and austerity in terms of drug policy and in the labour market, it is also necessary to take into account its effects on the parallel economy, where PWUD can look for sources of income for their subsistance. The purpose of this study is to examine to what extent the key-actors in the drug phenomena perceive changes, since 2008, in access to employment and to parallel economy by PWUD, and to what extent are these changes related to austerity policies. This study has an exploratory nature, integrating qualitative and quantitative techniques, in a mixed method approach. The results obtained suggest an increase of difficulties in accessing to the labour markets by PWUD, as well as an increase in the involvement in parallel economy activities. Both trends were attributed to the austerity measures, especially through a decline in social protection and socio-professional reintegration policies.

Date of Award	7 Jul 2016
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Américo Mendes (Supervisor)