Challenges currently being faced by labor markets in Europe can be tackled in part by private employment services (PrES) and new jobs created, it has been suggested.

Annemarie Muntz of the European Confederation of Private Employment Agencies (Eurociett) explained that the demographics of work in the region are evolving and such organizations can be used to help increase participation rates, develop skills and enhance career management.

The body's president, she explained to the Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics' (SASE's) annual conference that Europe faces a potential labor shortage of 35 million individuals by 2050.

Ms Muntz was speaking during a panel debate at the event and she highlighted the importance of flexicurity in helping to meet the need for increased participation and fulfill growing demands for work-life balance.

Recent figures published by Eurociett showed that the European agency work sector experienced 12 consecutive months of growth in the year to March 2011, expanding by 21.6 per cent over the period.

Posted by Alex Donnell