The conference on inclusive labour markets concluded

On 3 and 4 February the conference "Inclusive labour markets in Europe: the role of a improved job quality and enhanced inclusion" organised by the Employment Committee of the Council of the European Union (EMCO) and the Social Protection Committee of the EU Council was held in the National Library of Latvia.

In his opening address at the Conference the Minister of Welfare Uldis Augulis emphasised the role of the job quality and sustainable inclusion on the labour market expressing gratitude to EMCO and SPC for their contributions. The opening speech on behalf of the European Commission was presented by Lieve Fransen, the Director for the EU-2020 Social Policies Department of the Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion of the European Commission (EC).

In the beginning of the Conference presentations were delivered by Raymond Torres, the Director of the Research Department of the International Labour Organisation and Alexander Hijzen, the representative from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The aspects of both the job quality and the inclusion on the labour market were reviewed during the Conference. EU social partners expressed their views on the job quality, these issues were also focused on by researchers who emphasised the importance of education. The EU Member States informed on implemented measures for improving the job quality and the EC shared its vision. Greece briefed on the measures to reduce undeclared employment, Ireland spoke about the restoration of social dialogue structures following the crisis and Norway presented the measures aimed at reconciling work and family life.

The second part of the Conference analysed measures and activities that are important for encouraging the economic activity of people and their inclusion on the labour market. Representatives of Sweden and Poland shared their experience of implementing active labour market policy measures and improvement of employment services. The evaluation of the active labour market policy measures implemented by Latvia was presented by Mihails Hazans, the Professor of the University of Latvia, who emphasised the importance of the evaluation of the efficiency of measures and well-functioning public employment services. The EC also briefed the Conference participants on the mutual learning measures of the EU Member States.

The representatives from the EU level NGOs, as well as academics analysed the role of benefits and minimum income schemes in activating unemployed persons and provision of support. The importance of individual approach, as well as the impact and the role of integrated social protection and employment services for promoting inclusive employment. Within the context of minimum income, a lot of attention was focused on the minimum wage and the extent to which it ensures decent living standards for employed persons. The representative from the World Bank introduced minimum income programs in countries outside Europe to the Conference participants by emphasising the necessity of strengthening and increasing services for persons living at extreme poverty and working towards promoting productive inclusion which is achieved by activation measures.

The Conference results will be included in the draft Council Conclusions on inclusive labour markets which are under development by EMCO and SPC. They are due to be adopted by a meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council of the European Union (EU) during the Latvian Presidency.

The conference was attended by participants of EMCO and SPC informal meetings, including the representatives from all the EU Member States, the European Economic Area and the European Free Trade Association, representatives from EU institutions, international organisations and academic circles.

The agenda of the event and presentations are accessible on the website of the Ministry of Welfare.