Labour Research March 2002

European news

EU acts on labour mobility

The European Commission has launched new proposals aimed at promoting greater mobility in the labour market both occupationally (between jobs) and geographically (between member states).

On occupational mobility, the Commission plans to make training systems more relevant to the present labour market, to encourage lifelong learning and to ensure that qualifications and competencies are properly recognised.

On geographical mobility, it sees the major problems as being inadequate language skills and differences in tax and social security regulations across the EU.

It wants to improve the level of information available about opportunities in other sectors and other countries.