Ministers on the European Union (EU) Employment and Social Policy Council met on Friday (June 17th 2011) to debate a range of issues relating to work in the region.

The gathering of politicians in Luxembourg was attended by employment, social affairs and inclusion commissioner Laszlo Andor, who raised issues relating to youth employment, child poverty and the coordination of social security schemes, among others.

Also present was commissioner for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship Viviane Reding, who discussed with ministers the potential for "longer and better maternity leave", implementing an EU-wide disability strategy and combating discrimination.

The meeting was held ahead of plans by the European Council to vote on country-specific recommendations for employment policies within member states on June 23rd and 24th.

Youth joblessness in the EU is currently averaging 20.9 per cent across the region, but is as high as 45 per cent in some nations, with plans released by the European Commission to increase the number of younger people in work or training.

The EU Employment and Social Policy Council meeting took note of a progress report relating to the maternity leave directive, reached a general approach on recommendations relating to employment policies in member states and adopted conclusions relating to youth joblessness, disability, the reconciliation of work and family life and child poverty.

Posted by Alex Donnell