Employment

The employment situation in the European Union improved over the past few years, due not least to the consistent implementation of the Luxembourg Process. The main beneficiaries were women, whose average employment rate rose to 54.7 per cent, although men are still ahead with 73 per cent in employment. However, the proportion of older workers (38.3%) and disadvantaged groups in employment remained low. The economic downturn from mid-2001, aggravated by the terrorist attacks in the US on 11 September, had a negative effect on the employment situation.

The EU strategic goal is to raise average employment from 61 per cent in 2000 to around 70 per cent in 2010, and the proportion of women in employment from 51 to over 60 per cent over the same period. Intermediate goals of 67 and 57 per cent respectively have been set for the year 2005. It is also intended to raise the proportion of employed persons in the age group between 55 and 64 years to 50 per cent by 2010. Member states are required to set national objectives accordingly.

In pursuance of the Lisbon Strategy for employment, economic reform and social cohesion a Green Book was issued, dealing with the social responsibility of firms. A discussion was launched on the possibility of a voluntary mediation system for settling differences between the social partners. Furthermore, agreement was reached on a methodologically flexible directive on the rights of employees in firms of a certain size to be consulted on economic and strategic developments.

Attention was also paid to training and mobility. A high-ranking group was set up in early 2001 to draft proposals for improvements in these fields. Its report was to be presented to the European Council in Barcelona in March 2002.