Brussels, 21/01/2016 (Agence Europe) - Employment and the social situation continue to worsen in the European Union. Despite some improvements, the effects of the crisis continue to make themselves felt while the disparities between and within countries are becoming increasingly marked, according to the 2015 employment and social developments report published by the European Commission on Thursday 21 January.
This annual report takes stock of the latest developments on the social and jobs fronts and gives consideration to up-coming challenges and on possible ways to overcome them. It places particular focus on the situation of the most vulnerable groups, such as women, the elderly, the young and the unemployed.
This latest report shows that, while employment may have risen in Europe, unemployment remains very high in some countries, like Spain and Greece (where it is above 20%). It further notes the increased use of temporary, fixed-term and part-time contracts which are not what workers want. In Cyprus, 94.3% of people on temporary contracts are unhappy with this form of contract, whereas in Austria the percentage is 8.8%.
Speaking to the press, Commissioner Marianne Thyssen said that, in close cooperation with the social partners, she is planning to bring forward three proposals to improve the situation: (1) a “European Pillar of Social Rights” which will be “a reference framework based on the values and principles that mark the essence of the 21st century social market economy”; (2) a labour mobility package “to broaden opportunities for all while ensuring the rules are clear, fair and enforceable”; (3) a new skills agenda to address the shortage of qualified workers.
Frustrations over the labour mobility package. When asked about the repeated delays to the labour mobility package, Thyssen said that it had been decided to delay presentation of the package in light of the negotiations with the United Kingdom. “The package is ready. But we took the decision to wait. It's a bit frustrating but it's the sensible thing to do in view of the negotiations with the United Kingdom. … I hope we'll be able to present our proposals in the spring … and still in the form of a package. That will depend on the next European summit. I hope that there will be an agreement”, she said. “The sooner the better because we can't afford to wait.” (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)