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Health and safety at work, training and working conditions were just some of the subjects up for discussion last week when MEPs (Members of European Parliament) met the directors of four European Union Agencies. They were in front of Parliament's Employment and Social Affairs Committee to set out their plans for 2007. The overall aim is to improve the employment conditions of millions of workers across the EU.
Training
Muriel Dunbar of the European Training Foundation told MEPs that people's skills do not often match the needs of the labor market. For example Europe has many University Graduates with excellent academic skills while the job market is short of specialized workers.
She also told the Committee that an ageing population and rising retirement age would require a different approach to lifelong learning.
In her presentation Mrs. Dunbar highlighted concerns over the acquisition of skills by migrants and the level of social exclusion that a skill shortage can create.
Being safe at work
Health and Safety at work is an important issue. The European Agency responsible for this field has set out a series of priorities for the year ahead. They include focusing on work related stress, accidents, absenteeism and migrant workers. The Agency will also have a campaign this year on musculoskeletal disorders.
Globalization, migration under spotlight
With 2007 being the European Year of Equal Opportunities, Jorma Karppinen of the EU's Foundation for Living and Working conditions explained this would guide their work for the year.
In particular the effects of globalization, the issue of migration and innovation in the workplace would be their focus. They would also conduct research on the effects of undeclared work - the so-called "black" or "grey" economy.
Vocational Training
Aviana Bulgarelli of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training said her aim in 2007 was to "strengthen European cooperation" in the field. In particular by providing expert support for policy makers and reporting on developments in vocational training. She also pledged to ensure that new and possible future EU members are aware of best practice in the area.
Related:
• European Union ministers focus on job quality standards for EU• European Union Services Directive approved for free movement
• European Commission - Eurozone economy strong for 2007
• EU sets 2007 target for scrapping border controls
• EU proposes new door for legal immigration
• OECD - developed countries must do more to integrate immigrant workers
• Immigration fails to stem European population loss
