Employment policies in European Union (EU) nations should focus on the provision of "more and better jobs", it is claimed.

According to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), guidelines in this area should be better implemented by states in order to provide work for individuals in the region.

A report was backed by 551 votes to 59, with eight MEPs choosing to abstain, recommending countries in the EU develop skilled workforces, promote job quality and lifelong learning and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the new low-carbon economy.

The legislators in Brussels have also adopted a new resolution on the Europe 2020 strategy, which calls for "stronger economic governance and firm budget commitments".

Investment should be substantially increased in areas such as research, innovation and development over the coming years and a digital single market created, MEPs claim.

In related news, a recent EU Parliament resolution stated member states should take action to ensure pension schemes provide holders with an adequate income.

Posted by Alex Donnell