The ESF supports activities which contribute
to the development of the labour and human resources market
in each of the Community member states in the field of the
following policies, which are to be set in the framework
of their National Employment Action Plans:
Active
labour market policies designed to combat and avoid
unemployment, to support vocational integration and
reintegration.
The
promotion of equal access to the labour market, with
special attention given to those who risk being excluded.
The
development and improvement of vocational training.
The
promotion of worker qualification in the face of the
changing labour market.
The
improvement of women's access to and participation in
the labour force.
The aforementioned policies must take
into account:
Support
for local development
The
social dimension and employment possibilities offered
by the information society
The
integration of equal opportunity policies for men and
women
Activities
entitled to assistance :
The financial aid of the FSE will be largely
geared towards providing assistance for the following activities:
Vocational
training, orientation, advice and improvement.
Funds
for employment and self-employment programmes
Funds
for research, scientific and technological development.
Development
of new sources of employment
Improvement
of training, qualification and employment service structures.
Improvement
of training, qualification and employment service structures.
The
development of links between businesses and training and
research centres.
THE
EUROPEAN SOCIAL FUND
Active
labour market policies designed to combat and avoid
unemployment, to support vocational integration and
reintegration. 
