The labour market analysis and the signs of economic weakness analysis in LFA villages in the region of Nové Hrady

In the article an analysis is made of the labour market in LFA villages in the region of Nové Hrady and the opinions of residents on the signs of economic weakness in villages as well as the opportunities to improve the economic circumstances. The majority of the surveyed population is economically active and evaluates their current personal situation as being good. A significant proportion of the unemployed are women. This result reflects the real employment situation of women in the region. Short-term unemployed people actively search for a new job, whilst the long–term unemployed aren’t interested in finding a new job. Complex evaluation of the signs of economic weakness in villages identified two population groups: a group of realists, who see strong signs of economic weakness in the local aging population, closing institutions, a decline in culture and in the growing apathy of residents towards the local council. The second, less numerous group, is a group of inhabitants, who consider there to be no signs of economic weakness. An analysis of the opportunities to improve the economic circumstances in villages identified two groups of residents: a group of people, who suggest the strengthening of tourism, services and business. They suggest improving the transport links with the regional centres. The second group, is a group of people, who want to continue to live in peace and quiet. They see the advantages that the growth in the provision of services brings, but more intensive development of tourism frightens them. The research proved that those residents who are interested in the development of the community are those who achieved a higher education and are of a productive and post-productive age and have lived in the village for more than 5 years. In contrast, natives don’t want to see the development of the villages because of their concerns that development would bring with it damage to the environment and the loss of peace and quiet.