One of the challenges raised by proactive employment policies centres on redressing inequalities that are not solely of an economic nature, as others may also be added of a social and ethnic nature as well as personal, cultural and educational aspects. This article analyses the situation in which groups at risk of social exclusion find themselves by using methodological references collected at a local employment observatory created for such a purpose. The social fabric of the business world was appraised as part of this process, to gain a picture of employer needs, their premises and constraints. Furthermore, a study was carried out on the most relevant aspects and variables--the strong and weak points--that the groups at risk of social exclusion present in seeking to access employment. The paper concludes with a presentation of the main results and proposes various lines of action that might provide responses to actual and future demands and needs. (Contains 8 tables and 2 figures.)