Time for EU countries to start delivering on fairness in the job market, says Liz Lynne MEP
February 17, 2011 2:00 PM
It's high time European countries started delivering on commitments to help older people and disabled people in the job market, Lib Dem Euro MP Liz Lynne told the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
In a debate on the implementation of the employment guidelines within the EU 2020 strategy, the West Midlands MEP, First Vice President of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, warned that the strategy would be meaningless unless the months of introspection and debate led to concrete action by governments.
In her speech in a debate yesterday, Liz Lynne MEP said:
"If we want the EU 2020 Strategy to be a success, then the Employment Guidelines have to be implemented effectively and national reform programmes put in place and given the priority they actually deserve.
"We have to make sure that no one is left behind. Unemployment rates among older people and disabled people are disgracefully high.
"I am pleased that both texts refer to the need to implement anti-discrimination laws in the workplace so that jobs are open for all.
"It is important that the targets we have agreed at EU level are actually achieved.
"Yes, it is up to Member States to set specific targets and adhere to them, but the European Union has an important role to play in improving the exchange of best practice and experience.
"We have had months of introspection and debates about what shape the EU 2020 Strategy should take, but we have the Employment Guidelines. Now is the time to start delivering on them."
Parliament voted to accept the guidelines by a large majority this morning
ENDS
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