Highlights

More flexicurity and better skills

The employment situation requires reinforced measures. © European Communities

The EU member states should focus their employment policies on increasing flexibility and security (flexicurity) in the labour market and ensuring better skills matching. This is one of the main messages to emerge from the Joint Employment Report 2008/2009, adopted by employment ministers meeting at the Council on 9 March. This annual document gives an update on the employment situation throughout the Union.

The report points out that despite the present downturn, progress has been made and European labour markets are in many respects performing better now than they were, say, ten years ago. For example, at 7.6% in 2008 structural unemployment is significantly lower now than it was in 2000.

However, in the current situation of weakening prospects, flexicurity policies need to be reinforced. They facilitate the successful transition at various stages in people's lives from one job to another, between inactivity and work, etc. At the same time, adequate social protection systems provide safety nets and support consumer demand. Public employment services and active inclusion policies should be stepped up to ensure that such transitions take place as smoothly as possible.

An increasing number of jobs require a highly-qualified and adaptable workforce. This demand can be matched by upgrading skills. Updating the competences and abilities of people who lose their jobs is particularly important as a means of preventing long-term unemployment.

The European Social Fund and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund are effective tools supporting these priorities.

More information:

Public debate(employment impact of the crisis)

Council press release(pdf)