News

On February 7 we will meet the Irish Presidency and the European Commission to talk about social exclusion and the labour market, and the policies needed to improve the current situation. This troika meeting is taking place in the context of the informal EPSCO meeting of the ministers for employment and social affairs this week Thursday and Friday.

People want to work, even if they are far away from the labour market. For example, in many countries up to 90% or more of the homeless population have no stable employment, but in the UK 97% indicated they would like to work either now or in the future.

It is necessary to take an integrated approach to employment that goes further than an isolated focus on labour market conditions and the creation of jobs. We strive to ensure social inclusion of people as a prerequisite to effectively include them in employment. Furthermore, it has to be acknowledged that not every person is able to enter the labour market but also need assistance and support to be socially included.

Ahead of our troika meeting, we sent a written contribution to the social ministers and the other participants to the informal EPSCO calling on the EU and member states to invest in the creation of, access to and progression in quality and sustainable employment. Our key demands concern:

•     Access to the labour market – Improve access to jobs for those furthest away from the labour market
•     Creation of jobs – Support job creation, in particular in the social sector and through the social economy
•     Working poor – Tackle the growing problem of working poor and value the role of quality employment and social policies in improving the situation
•     Progression in employment – Use the full potential of workers by removing barriers to their progression in employment
•     Good governance of employment policies – Ensure the involvement of civil society organisations in their areas of expertise

You can read our full contribution here.