More work needs to be done to ensure that ratios of benefits and pensions are correct and sustainable, a European Union (EU) official has declared.

The commissioner for employment, social affairs and inclusion stated that rates should be available for comparison between member states and called for greater action on maintaining employability and skills, as well as facilitating labor market transitions.

Laszlo Andor declared: "I strongly believe that employment can be an effective barrier to poverty. But when work is not available, social protection can play an important role."

He was speaking at the Belgian Presidency Conference in Liege about pensions and social benefits for citizens of Europe and claimed flexicurity can play an important role in balancing social protection with employment as working patterns and circumstances of claimants change.

MEPs recently voted in favor of raising a target to achieve a European Union-wide employment rate of 75 per cent of the active population and creating "more and better jobs" in member states.

Posted by Alex Donnell