EU Employment and Social Policy ministers Discuss Older People in the Labour and Society, and Job Quality

EU Employment and Social Policy ministers Discuss Older People in the Labour and Society, and Job Quality

On 19 June, the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO) formation of the Council of the EU held a meeting where different key topics were discussed.

At the meeting, ministers approved conclusions on ways to support older people in staying active and reaching their full potential in the labour market and in society. The conclusions underline the increased likelihood of disability with age, and the importance of removing barriers to social and economic participation for all people and ensuring accessibility and reasonable accommodation. Moreover, the conclusions encourage Member States to design relevant policies taking into consideration the needs of older people, including those with disabilities, and to ensure accessibility in terms of mental, intellectual, physical and organisational aspects.

The chair of the Employment Committee (EMCO) – the advisory committee for Employment and Social Affairs Ministers in the Employment and Social Affairs Council (EPSCO) – presented the committee’s opinion on the dimensions of job quality. The opinion seeks to provide input into the European Commission’s initiative on the Quality Jobs Roadmap that will be presented at the end of 2025. This opinion included, within its “Key dimensions of job quality”, the importance of ensuring equal opportunities to allow individuals to access and remain in quality jobs, for instance for persons with disabilities. This includes adapting workplaces to be accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities, ensuring that all workers can fully participate and contribute.

Ministers approved Council conclusions that call for targeted efforts to advance gender equality in the digital age, with a focus on the risks and opportunities presented by AI. The Council proposes several measures aimed at addressing continued gender inequalities, with specific emphasis on discrimination, bias, and violence towards women and girls in the digital world.

More information about the EPSCO meeting is available here.

Council Conclusions on supporting older people in reaching their full potential in the labour market and society available here.

EMCO opinion on the dimensions of job quality available here.
Council Conclusions on Advancing Gender Equality in the AI-Driven Digital Age available here.