EU must focus on working conditions as well as growth and jobs

Equity Channel 10.07.2009

The EU is keen to boost its employment figures during the economic crisis, but what about working conditions?

One main theme that appears to be lacking from this week's discussions about the EU labour market is how we can make sure that employment is fair, working conditions are good and that work does not have a negative effect on health.

Improving working conditions was one of the main themes of a recent report from the WHO on the social determinants of health.

"Employment and working conditions have powerful effects on health equity. When these are good, they can provide financial security, social status, personal development, social relations and self-esteem, and protection from physical and psychosocial hazards," the report says.

Making sure people have jobs was the main theme of this week's meeting for the Informal Council of Employment and Social Affairs Ministers (EPSCO), held in Jönköping, Sweden and one of the first events organised by the new Swedish presidency.

"Europe cannot afford to allow 100 million people to remain outside the labour market. Each individual is needed on the European labour market", said Swedish Minister for Employment Sven Otto Littorin.

These objectives will be discussed during a series of workshops on how member states can get more people back into work by increasing access to employment, adopting efficient labour market reforms and through an active social security policy.

Meanwhile, the EU's current plans for maintaining employment and creating new jobs are the subject of the latest issue of Exchange, the quarterly information bulletin on social protection and social inclusion in the EU.

"Europe must now show equal determination in committing to preserve employment and help those in difficulty," according to the editorial of the magazine.

Part of these plans will include the establishment of a European Microfinance Facility for Employment and Social Inclusion, aimed at increasing access to micro-credits for people who have lost or are at risk of losing their job and want to start their own micro-enterprise, including self-employment.

The scheme is also intended to benefit young people who want to start or continue their own micro-enterprise, and will consist of a €100 million fund due to last until the end of 2013.

Preserving employment is important, but the conditions of employment must also be taken into account.

"Through the assurance of fair employment and decent working conditions, government, employers, and workers can help eradicate poverty, alleviate social inequities, reduce exposure to physical and psychosocial hazards, and enhance opportunities for health and well-being. And, of course, a healthy workforce is good for productivity," the WHO report says.

More information about the Swedish Presidency's work programme for employment and social affairs can be found here on the Presidency website.

The latest issue of Exchange can be downloaded at the website of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities.

Please click here to read the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a European Microfinance Facility for Employment and Social Inclusion.

The WHO report on the social determinants of health is available here.