On 15 June 2026, more than 160 participants, including policymakers, social partners, researchers and sector stakeholders, joined the launch of the 2026 PHS Employment Monitor to discuss the challenges faced by Personal and Household Services (PHS) across Europe and the actions needed to strengthen the sector. 

Organised by the PHS Social Partners – EFFAT, EFFE, EFSI and UNI Europa – as part of the EU-funded ScaleUp project, the event brought together representatives from European institutions, national authorities and civil society to reflect on the report’s findings and their implications for the future of care in Europe. 

The event opened with welcome remarks from Aude Boisseuil (EFFE), who highlighted the collective effort behind the PHS Employment Monitor and the importance of evidence-based policymaking to support the sector. 

Participants then heard a presentation of the report by Daniel Rhoads (Jarrow), who outlined the key findings from the survey of more than 8,000 workers, users, user-employers and service providers across 33 European countries. Details on the monitor can be found here. 

Affordability, workforce shortages, and working conditions 

Moderated by Leonor Tavares, Policy Director at EFSI, the high-level discussion focused on the challenges highlighted by the report, including affordability pressures, recruitment and retention difficulties, and working conditions across the sector. 

Speakers noted that the findings mirror broader trends observed across the care economy. Flaviana Teodosiou of the European Commission highlighted similarities between the Monitor’s findings and research conducted under the European Care Strategy, particularly regarding workforce shortages, the role of migrant and mobile workers, and the growing affordability challenge for both workers and service users. 

The discussion also addressed the need to improve working conditions and ensure that workers’ rights are fully respected across the sector. Susana Abad de las Heras from the Spanish Labour Ministry stressed the importance of addressing platform work and employment conditions, while speakers highlighted the risks of exploitation that continue to affect some workers, particularly migrant workers. 

Greater recognition for domestic work and care 

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the need for greater recognition of domestic work and care work. 

Member of the European Parliament Catarina Martins emphasised that domestic workers should enjoy the same rights and protections as all other workers. She also highlighted the growing importance of the sector in the context of Europe’s ageing population and increasing care needs. 

The conversation echoed one of the strongest findings of the 2026 PHS Employment Monitor: across all stakeholder groups surveyed, there is broad agreement that the sector deserves greater institutional recognition and respect. 

Bringing care higher on the European agenda 

The discussion concluded with reflections on the future of care policy in Europe and the need for sustained investment in the sector. 

Dr Shannon Pfohman, Executive Director of Eurocarers, welcomed the publication of the report as an important sign that care and domestic work are receiving increased attention from policymakers and stakeholders. 

“Such a report is a great achievement as it signals how the care and domestic work topics are gaining importance. Personal and Household Services should not be seen as marginal topics anymore but should be front and centre on the policy agenda.” 

She underlined that care should be recognised as essential social infrastructure and highlighted the need for policy solutions that address workforce shortages, working conditions, and access to affordable services simultaneously. 

The event concluded with a discussion on how the findings of the PHS Employment Monitor can contribute to ongoing efforts towards a European Care Deal and support stronger recognition of the sector’s contribution to society. 

Read the full 2026 PHS Employment Monitor. 

On behalf of the PHS Social Partners, we want to thank all the speakers for the valuable discussions and all the participants for their attention and their questions.