En investering i arbetsmarknaden: Var Arbetshoppet samhällsekonomiskt lönsamt? : En kostnads-nyttoanalys av projektet Arbetshoppet i Region Östergötland.

The aim of this thesis has been to examine whether the labor market initiative Arbetshoppet can be considered cost-beneficial for society. The project was implemented in seven municipalities in Östergötland and aimed to facilitate the entry into the labour market for individuals who were far from employment, with a focus on the health and social care sector. To assess whether the project was cost-beneficial for society a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) was implemented. In the analysis the benefits were quantified based on the number of participants who transitioned to employment or education, while qualitive outcomes such as improved integration and mental well-being were reported but not assigned monetary values. Sensitivity analyses were carried out to account for uncertainties in assumptions, including employment and time horizon. The thesis examines whether Arbetshoppet was cost-beneficial for society by considering both monetised outcomes and effects that are difficult to quantify. It also addresses limitations in evaluating labor market initiatives using cost-benefit analysis and discusses the finding in relation to CBA and the project’s stated objectives. The result in the baseline scenario indicate that Arbetshoppet was not economically profitablewithin a five-year period. The project may have a positive net present value if, for instance, theanalysis extends over a longer time frame or if the value of work contributions is increased. However, the result remains uncertain, as several variables has not been assigned monetary value.