Save the date: online webinar on PHS employers’ capacity-building
September 9, 2024PHSDialogue webinar brings together PHS sector employers to improve capacity building
October 18, 2024EFSI, EFFE, EFFAT, and UNI Europa unite to address about shortage crisis
On October 16th, EFSI, jointly with its social partners EFFAT, EFFE and UNI Europa published a joint statement on Labour and Skills Shortages in the PHS Sector. While the Mission Letter to the European Commission’s designated Commissioner for People, Skills, and Preparedness (2024-2029) emphasizes the need to address labour and skills shortages, the joint statement calls for more targeted actions.
The sector, which employs 10 million workers in the EU, also faces rising demand due to an ageing population and severe labour shortages. While PHS could create up to 17.5 million jobs by 2035, growth is projected at only 7%. Despite its importance in areas like work-life balance and gender equality, the PHS sector suffers from low pay, poor working conditions, and inadequate training opportunities, which discourage workers from entering or remaining in PHS jobs.
The statement highlights that insufficient recognition of experience and lack of training programmes exacerbate challenges for workers, who are often perceived as low-skilled. This perception perpetuates the notion that undeclared work is the norm, leaving workers without essential social protection. Additionally, inflationary pressures have increased undeclared work, as users lack the support necessary for legal employment. Lastly, limited collective bargaining further underscores the vulnerabilities of social protection systems.
Continuing, the PHS Social Partners express their satisfaction with the European Commission’s Action Plan on Labour and Skill Shortages launched in March 2024. However, they call the new Commission for additional actions:
- Investing in social dialogue and collective bargaining, aiming for an 80% collective bargaining coverage rate,
- Building the capacity of social partners to address labour and skills shortages.
- Recognizing and promoting skills in PHS sectors, advocating for professional qualifications, training, apprenticeships, and skills recognition across the EU.
- Creating a protective framework for migrant workers, while addressing administrative barriers.
