As current levels of unemployment in the EU are dramatic and unacceptable, job creation must become a real European priority - as stated by Commissioner Andor during the presentation of the new Employment Package on April 18.

The package contains a set of measures to boost jobs, looking at the demand-side of job creation, identifying areas with the biggest job potential for the future and calling for a stronger employment and social dimension in EU governance. The main ideas of the package are written down in the Commission's communication "Towards a job-rich recovery".

Member states are asked among others to support employment in the fast growing health and social care sector and to improve health workforce planning and forecasting to better match demand and supply of health professionals while offering long-term job prospects and stimulate exchange on innovative and effective recruitment and retention strategies for health workers. Linked to this, the EC has elaborated an action plan for the EU health workforce. Furthermore, employment opportunities in personal and household services should be explored.

To secure inclusive labour markets, the Commission calls on the member states to establish decent and sustainable minimum wages at appropriate levels to help prevent growing in-work poverty and ensure decent job quality. The Commission refrained however from putting forward a concrete proposal for European minimum wage standards.

To reinforce coordination and monitoring of employment policies at EU level in line with EU economic governance, the Commission will follow up on member states’ progress in implementing their National Job Plans, aimed at countering particular youth unemployment. Related to this, the Employment Package also includes a consultation paper on a quality framework for traineeships and a progress report on the implementation of the YOI.