Income Supplement Program for Older Workers

35. Notes that some labour reforms have introduced new contractual formulas and that, according to the Commission, some of these have increased precariousness in the labour markets, demanding in many instances unfair flexibility from younger generations; notes with concern the figures from some Member States whose rates of temporary employment are over 90 % for new contracts, which particularly affects young people and women, and which, according to the OECD, is one of the direct causes of increasing inequality, although, on occasion, such employment arrangements are specifically sought by workers with the aim of having a better work-li ...[+++]fe balance or additional earnings; calls on the Member States to establish synergies between national policies and the European cohesion policy in order to reinforce the effect on these priority groups; raises a particular concern about the expansion of ‘zero-hour contracts’; believes that all types of contractual arrangements should give workers access to a core set of rights and adequate social protection;

10. Notes that the most vulnerable groups on the labour market – the long-term unemployed, women, migrant workers and persons with disabilities – have suffered most and are experiencing higher unemployment rates than the national averages; notes the severe rise in the long-term unemployment rate of women and senior workers, and the additional difficulties these workers will face when seeking to re-enter the labour market once the economy eventually recovers; stresses that these workers need targeted measures;

10. Notes that the most vulnerable groups on the labour market – the long-term unemployed, women, migrant workers and persons with disabilities – have suffered most and are experiencing higher unemployment rates than the national averages; notes the severe rise in the long-term unemployment rate of women and senior workers, and the additional difficulties these workers will face when seeking to re-enter the labour market once the economy eventually recovers; stresses that these workers need targeted measures;

8. Notes the distinction made by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions between atypical and very atypical employment relationships; believes that many forms of atypical employment relationship represent important ways for carers, students and others who rely on short-term contracts and part-time work, for example, to earn extra income; emphasises that it is vital that workers in atypical employment relationships should have minimum rights and be protected against exploitation;