The Europe We Want. Creating Futureproof Labour Markets that Work for All

Economic analysis of the European Commission of Q2/2023 shows that European economies and labour markets have been resilient despite a challenging economic context. Yet, challenges still lie ahead in creating futureproof labour markets that work for all. In a year that proves pivotal for the European instititions, the World Employment Confederation-Europe advocates putting Social Justice at the centre of the next political mandate in order to strike a balance between an enabling economic environment for companies and access to social protection for workers. This needs to include a focus on decent work, social protection for all and effective skills policies.

Social Justice in Europe needs to be based on a new social contract, which enables an economy and labour market that protects every person, provides skills that empower and set appropriate regulation in times of digitalisation. In October 2023, the Granada European Summit rightly put a focus for the coming years on ensuring fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law. In the area of employment and social affairs, the emphasis was laid on competitiveness, skills and leaving no one behind.

The World Employment Confederation-Europe fully supports those strategic priorities. In its Manifesto “The Europe We Want”, the HR services industry identifies areas of specific interest and importance which the new European Commission and Parliament should take up.

A New Social Contract that Protects All

• Enable access to social protection for all
• Ensure the transferability and portability of social protection
• Value and promote the diversity of labour contracts as an instrument to meet workers and employers’ needs

Skills to Empower All in The Labour Market

• Urgently address skills and labour shortages in Europe, including a focus on legal migration
• Ensure fair labour mobility, the posting of workers and demand-driven legal migration
• Design skills policies that equip workers in diverse forms of work with the right skills to succeed
• Value and promote social dialogue-driven and bipartite forms of providing access to skills and training
• Strengthen career guidance and transition support in labour markets

Fair and appropriate regulation in times of digitalisation

• Implement existing European standards for the use of Artificial Intelligence in employment
• Unlock the potential of a diverse workforce in the digital age
• Establish a level-playing field for digital labour platforms based on the correct classification of labour suppliers

The HR services industry is committed to supporting the European Union in delivering its employment targets. But we also know that we cannot do this alone. In partnership with public employment services, social partners and policymakers at both European and national levels, we can contribute to shaping employment and social policies and offer fair and decent employment and working conditions.

Explore our Manifesto!