HOW TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION IN A "DIFFICULT" LABOUR MARKET: AN EXAMPLE OF THE FORMER STATE-OWNED AGRICULTURAL FARM COMMUNES IN BRANIEWO DISTRICT OF POLAND

Contemporary scientific concepts coincide with the claim that one of the major factors determining the development of countries and regions is the development of local units. Most definitions of socio-economic development emphasise the significance of human capital in developing this phenomenon. Braniewo District, with an rate of unemployment at a level of 22.2 %, is ranked first in Warminsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship, and is among the highest in Poland. A significant percentage of the unemployed (including the long-term unemployed) live in rural areas in former state-owned farm localities. Unemployment in rural areas is a separate socio-economic problem that requires specific remedies and actions, especially with regard to the activation of former state-owned farm areas. This study analysed selected factors shaping the local labour market in Braniewo District. To achieve the main aim, the identification of the economic and labour market potential of the population inhabiting selected communes of Braniewo District was required. This enabled the formulation of initial recommendations regarding the ways of stimulating the human capital in the "difficult" labour market. The research methods applied in the study include a deductive study of relevant literature, reports, statistical analyses and a qualitative study involving direct interviews with the authorities of the communes of the analysed area as well as a survey conducted among 224 inhabitants of flats from the resources of former state-owned agricultural farm real estate. The established diagnosis and conducted analysis of social consequences of the ownership changes introduced in the agricultural sector by the Agricultural Property Agency in Braniewo District enabled an assessment of the changes occurring in former state-owned farm localities, and their effects on the inhabitants of the analysed communes.