The working conditions of people within the European Union (EU) should be enhanced and harmonized upwards between states, a body has declared.

According to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), policies should respond to changing trends, patterns and technologies.

Leila Kurki, president of the EESC's Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship suggested such a move should be a "key action" for the EU in order to enhance growth and productivity in the region.

Speaking at a conference in Barcelona, she explained: "Health and safety should be seen as an integral part of a modern, competitive business and as a pillar of the European Social Model."

Ms Kurki advocated an evaluation of the current strategies regarding working conditions in order to improve the wellbeing of employees across the continent.

Her remarks follow the finding of a report by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions that 35 per cent of workers believe their jobs place their health and safety at risk.

Meanwhile, in order to enhance the EU economy, the EESC has also decided that the 2010 Biennial Conference will focus on the use of education to tackle social exclusion.

Posted by Alex Donnell