ABSTRACT
Since 1973, Italy, like most developed countries, has seen its employment situation deteriorate almost uninterruptedly. Public policies in support of the work integration of disadvantaged people implemented in Italy after the Second World War can be divided into two categories: those initiated by the government and those by the local administrations. The first comprehensive measure in Italy to help people with occupational difficulties was Law 482 of 1968, designed to promote the employment of civilian invalids, including the disabled, widows and war orphans. Approval of the law has also promoted the full recognition of social co-operation by the Italian co-operative movement, and therefore its full integration into the movement. Italian work-integration co-operatives seem sufficiently well-established in terms of both their numbers and the amount of disadvantaged workers in employment. They have obtained legal recognition, with the associated benefits of funding and reputation.
