Corporate social responsibility (CSR) will play a greater role in the European Union (EU) labor market in the future.

This is according to the EU commissioner for employment, social affairs and inclusion, who has declared such measures are important for future jobs creation.

Laszlo Andor highlighted green positions as representing "a good combination of the social and environmental aspects of CSR", providing highly-skilled jobs and green benefits.

He was speaking at a forum in Brussels about the issue of CSR and urged companies to improve employability by "bringing out the best in young people", suggesting they work with educational institutions to develop quality traineeships.

Mr Andor also highlighted efforts being made in the region to support job creation, including local employment development plans.

The commissioner added that in the wake of the economic downturn, CSR could offer companies an opportunity to emerge from the crisis, as it is part of Europe 2020 strategies.

His comments come in the wake of an EU report highlighting the need for greater action to combat youth unemployment.

Posted by Alex Donnell