Disability Type and Prior Unemployment Exits as Predictors of Labour Market Reintegration among People with Disabilities: Evidence from Romania

The aim of this study is to analyse how disability type and other individual characteristics shape unemployment spells and labour market reintegration among people with disabilities in Romania. Using administrative micro-data from the National Employment Agency for 2017–2020, we examine 1,952 unemployment spells and apply a multi-model duration strategy that accounts for unobserved heterogeneity, competing exits and recurrent unemployment. The results show that disability type, age and unemployment benefit receipt are key correlates of reintegration. Sensory disabilities are associated with higher reintegration hazards than physical disabilities, with the advantage clearer in medium-to longer-duration spells. Neuro-psychiatric disabilities tend to display lower hazards, especially early in unemployment. Benefit receipt shows a strong and stable negative association with reintegration across specifications, while individuals aged 25–34 and 35–44 reintegrate faster than the youngest group. These findings underscore the importance of early, disability-sensitive activation and counselling, as well as regionally tailored policy responses aimed at improving sustainable employment outcomes for disabled jobseekers.