Imbalances in social protection in general and specifically for the "new forms of work” and “atypical workers

Key points

The EESC:

• notes that the EU and Member States shall aim to promote a high level of employment, improve living and working conditions and achieve proper social protection, including under comparable conditions, for the self-employed;
• encourages the EU and Member States, within their respective competences and in keeping with national practices, to adapt social protection systems to cover non-standard work, ensuring sufficient benefits for decent work and a decent life for all workers;
• calls for Member States to shift the focus of social protection from workers alone to all Europeans, offering a minimum income for those unable to work, while promoting a return to employment for those who can work;
• urges Member States to review social protection funding sources to ensure their financial sustainability without hindering job creation. The EU can support Member States in this endeavour by facilitating the exchange of experiences relating to the review/reform of national social protection systems;
• acknowledges that, while adapting social protection systems is primarily a national responsibility, the EU must support Member States in addressing gaps in protection for atypical work, without compromising the flexibility such employment relationships give to both employers and workers;
• urges the Commission to review Directive 79/7/EC and, where necessary, propose reforms to effectively address gaps in social protection, including through social dialogue at national level;
• advocates experience-sharing among Member States to exchange best practices and calls on the Commission to promote mutual learning, involving national social partners and the EESC.