European Commission’s Quality Jobs Roadmap leaves out specific measures for persons with disabilities

European Commission’s Quality Jobs Roadmap leaves out specific measures for persons with disabilities

On 4 December 2025, the European Commission published the Quality Jobs Roadmap, which outlines initiatives to ensure quality jobs in the European Union. Key points include (not exhaustive):

• Public procurement can be a powerful tool to support quality jobs, and existing non-binding tools support socially responsible public procurement. However, price-only remains a widespread award criterion within the EU. The Commission will explore how to better promote socially responsible public procurement, incl. a wider use of Best Price Quality Ratio as part of the revision of the EU procurement directives in 2026.
• State aid rules to provide better incentives for industry to create quality jobs and invest in skills. The on-going revision of the General Block Exemption Regulation can be an opportunity to update rules on aid for social enterprises, training and employment and recruitment of disadvantaged workers.
• Regarding Algorithmic Management (AM), the use of automated monitoring systems and automated decision-making systems powered by algorithms that replace functions that managers usually perform (e.g. allocating tasks, determining working schedules, giving instructions, evaluating work performed, providing incentives or adverse treatment), the Roadmap underlines the importance of preventing discrimination, data breaches, excessive surveillance and psychosocial risks. The roadmap also notes the possibility of developing targeted complementary measures not covered by current rules (i.e. the AI Act and the GDPR Rules).
• Occupational safety and health policies should stay aligned with new realities. The Commission will review the Workplace and the Display Screen Equipment Directives to update protections in modern workplaces and digital tools to better address psychosocial, and ergonomic risks, and risks affecting workers with disabilities. 
• Quality Services are a key enabler for employment and labour market transitions. The European Commission aims to present an European Care Deal in 2027 to address long-term care workforce challenges.

Although EPR welcomes the points of the Quality Jobs Roadmap announced above, a link between EU Quality Jobs Roadmap and ensuring quality jobs for persons with disabilities is missing. EPR considers it essential for the Quality Jobs Act and the upcoming actions of the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, both expected in 2026, to include provisions on quality jobs for persons with disabilities.

Moreover, EPR joined 39 organisations to call for more inclusive and integrated forms of employment in the Quality Jobs Roadmap. The joint statement urges the European Commission to ensure that the Quality Jobs Roadmap delivers for all workers, especially those with support needs. It highlights that despite rising labour market participation, inequalities persist across Europe. Many workers continue to face poor job quality, limited access to decent living conditions, and structural barriers to employment, including discrimination, inaccessible workplaces, and insufficient support services. As a result, over 50 million people remain excluded from the labour market.

The signatories call for a rights-based, person-centred approach that places people before profit. They outline seven standards for a successful roadmap: inclusive labour markets with tailored support; recognition of the social economy and Work Integration Social Enterprises as key actors; stronger cooperation among social economy organisations, not-for-profit services, VET providers and public employment services; meaningful participation of civil society and workers; greater democracy at work through social dialogue and cooperative models; clear quality job standards ensuring upskilling, secure employment and accessible work environments; and improved earning conditions to eradicate in-work poverty.

Joint Statement on the Quality Jobs Roadmap available here.

Questions and Answers on the Quality Jobs Roadmap available here.