European Parliament legislative resolution on the proposal from the Commission, ‘Guidelines for Member States’ Employment Policies 2000’ (COM(1999) 441 — C5-0147/1999 — 1999/0816(CNS))
Date: 1999-11-04
Institutions: Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, European Parliament
Subjects: EU Member State, EU employment policy, EU policy - national policy, employment policy, gender equality, labour market, social dialogue, vocational training

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II

Commission proposal ‘Guidelines for Member States’ Employment Policies 2000’ (COM(1999) 441
# C5-0147/1999 # 1999/0816(CNS))

TEXT PROPOSED
BY THE COMMISSION

AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

(Amendment 3)

Annex, introduction to Guidelines 1 and 2

the Member States will

In order to influence the trend in youth and long-term unem-
ployment
intensify their efforts to
develop preventive and employability-oriented strategies, build-
ing on the early identification of individual needs; within a
period to be determined by each Member State which may
not exceed three years and which may be longer in Member
States with particularly high unemployment, Member States
will ensure that:

the Member States will

In order to influence the trend in youth and long-term unem-
ployment
intensify their efforts to
develop preventive and employability-oriented strategies, build-
ing on the early identification of individual needs; within a
period to be determined by each Member State which may
not exceed three years, although an extension of two years
will be possible in Member States with particularly high
unemployment, Member States will ensure that:

(Amendment 4)

Annex, Guideline 1

every unemployed young person is offered a new start
1.
before reaching six months of unemployment, in the form of
training, retraining, work practice, a job or other employability
measure with a view to effective integration into the labour
market;

every unemployed young person is offered a new start
1.
before reaching six months of unemployment, in the form of
training, retraining, work practice, a job or other employability
measure with a view to effective and lasting integration into
the labour market;

(Amendment 5)

Annex, Guideline 2

2.
unemployed adults are also offered a fresh start before
reaching 12 months of unemployment by one of the afore-
mentioned means or, more generally, by accompanying indi-
vidual vocational guidance with a view to effective integration
into the labour market;

2.
unemployed adults are also offered a fresh start before
reaching 12 months of unemployment by one of the afore-
mentioned means or, more generally, by accompanying indi-
vidual vocational guidance with a view to effective and lasting
integration into the labour market;

(Amendment 6)

Annex, sentence after Guideline 2

These preventive and employability measures should be com-
bined with measures to promote the re-employment of the
long-term unemployed.

These preventive and employability measures for both target
groups who should be supported in equal measure should
be combined with measures to promote the re-employment of
the long-term unemployed.

(Amendment 7)

Annex, Guideline 3

3.
will endeavour to increase significantly the number of
persons benefiting from active measures to improve their
employability. In order to increase the numbers of unemployed
who are offered training or any similar measure, it will in par-
ticular fix a target, in the light of its starting situation, of gra-
dually achieving the average of the three most successful Mem-
ber States, and at least 20%;

3.
will endeavour to increase significantly the number of
persons benefiting from active measures to improve their
employability. In order to increase the numbers of unemployed
who are offered training or any similar measure, it will in par-
ticular fix a target, in the light of its starting situation, of gra-
dually achieving the average of the three most successful Mem-
least 25%. Concurrently, targets that
ber States, and at

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AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

measure the inclusion of women in training programmes
will be set, based on the average of the three most suc-
cessful Member States in this respect;

(Amendment 8)

Annex, Guideline 4, 2nd indent

< to develop a policy for active ageing, encompassing appro-
priate measures such as maintaining working capacity, life-
long learning and other flexible working arrangements, so
that older workers are also able to remain and participate
actively in working life.

< to develop a policy for active ageing, encompassing appro-
priate measures such as maintaining working capacity, life-
long learning and other flexible working arrangements, in
order to enable older workers to remain and participate
actively in working life for longer if they so wish,
e.g. also on a part-time basis.

(Amendment 9)

Annex, Guideline 5

the social partners are urged, at their various levels of
5.
responsibility and action,
to conclude as soon as possible
agreements with a view to increasing the possibilities for train-
ing, work experience, traineeships or other measures likely to
promote employability of the young and adult unemployed
and to promote entry into the labour market.

the social partners are urged, at their various levels of
5.
responsibility and action,
to conclude as soon as possible
agreements with a view to increasing the possibilities for train-
ing, work experience, traineeships or other measures likely to
promote employability of the young and adult unemployed
and to promote entry into the labour market. In this context,
Member States shall create the preconditions and, as soon
as possible, establish the conditions to enable such agree-
ments to be applied and implemented.

(Amendment 10)

Annex, Guideline 6

6.
in order to reinforce the development of a skilled and
adaptable workforce, both Member States and the social part-
ners will endeavour to develop possibilities for lifelong learn-
ing, particularly in the fields of information and communica-
tion technologies, and each Member State will set a target
according to national circumstances for participants benefiting
from such measures. Easy access for older workers will be par-
ticularly important.

6.
in order to reinforce the development of a skilled and
adaptable workforce, both Member States and the social part-
ners will endeavour to develop possibilities for lifelong learn-
ing, particularly in the fields of information and communica-
tion technologies, and each Member State will set a target
according to national circumstances for participants benefiting
from such measures. Easy access for those older workers who
are interested, and for women, will be particularly impor-
tant.

(Amendment 11)

Annex, Guideline 7

7.
improve the quality of their school systems in order to
reduce substantially the number of young people who drop
out of the school system early. Particular attention should also
be given to young people with learning difficulties.

7.
improve the quality of their school systems in order to
reduce substantially the number of young people who drop
out of the school system early and to create the basis for
training in jobs with a future. Particular attention should
also be given to young people with learning difficulties so
that once again they have access to educational and train-
ing systems.

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AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

(Amendment 12)

Annex, Guideline 8

8. make sure they equip young people with greater ability
to adapt to technological and economic changes and with skills
relevant to the labour market. Particular attention should be
given to the development and modernisation of apprenticeship
systems, to developing appropriate training for the acquisition
of computer literacy and skills by students and teachers as well
as to equipping schools with computer equipment and facilitat-
ing student access to the Internet by the end of 2002.

8. make sure they equip young people with greater ability
to adapt to technological and economic changes and with skills
relevant to the labour market. Particular attention should be
given in cooperation with the two sides of industry to the
development and modernisation of apprenticeship systems, to
developing appropriate training for the acquisition of computer
literacy and skills by students and teachers as well as to equip-
ping schools with computer equipment and facilitating student
access to the Internet by the end of 2002. Special attention
will be given to female students in this regard.

(Amendment 13)

Annex, Guideline 9

9.
give special attention to the needs of the disabled, ethnic
minorities and other groups and individuals who may be dis-
advantaged, and develop appropriate forms of preventive and
active policies to promote their integration into the labour
market.

give special attention to the needs of

9.
the disabled
(including those sick or injured because of work-related
accidents or disease) # taking account of their aptitudes,
ethnic minorities and other groups and individuals who may be
disadvantaged, undertake
effectively the
employment prospects of those groups through compar-
able targets and develop appropriate forms of preventive and
active policies to promote in a holistic manner their integra-
tion into the labour market.

to improve

(Amendment 14)

Annex, introduction to Guidelines 10 and 11

The development of new enterprises, and the growth of small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is essential for job crea-
tion and for the expansion of training opportunities for young
people. This process must be promoted by encouraging greater
entrepreneurial awareness across society and in educational
curricula, by providing a clear, stable and predictable set of
rules, by improving the conditions for the development of risk
capital markets and access to the stock market. The Member
States should also reduce and simplify the administrative and
tax burdens on SMEs. These policies will support Member
States’ attempts to tackle undeclared work. To that end the
Member States will:

The development of new enterprises, and the growth of small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is essential for job crea-
tion and for the expansion of training opportunities for young
people. This process must be promoted by encouraging greater
entrepreneurial awareness and ability across society and in
educational curricula, by providing a clear, stable and predict-
able set of rules, by substantially improving the conditions for
the development of risk capital markets and access to the capi-
tal and stock markets and by improving the equity capitali-
sation of businesses through voluntary equity participa-
tion models for employees. The Member States must reduce
and simplify the administrative burden in setting up busi-
nesses and the administrative and tax burdens on SMEs.
Appropriate preventive and punitive policies will support
Member States’ attempts to tackle undeclared work. To that
end the Member States will:

(Amendments 15 and 32)

Annex, Guideline 10

10.
give particular attention to reducing significantly the
overhead costs and administrative burdens for businesses, and
especially SMEs, in particular when an enterprise is being set up
and when hiring additional workers;

10.
give particular attention to reducing significantly the
overhead costs and administrative burdens for businesses in
general and SMEs, cooperatives, social-economy enter-
prises and new business, in particular, especially when an

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AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

enterprise is being set up and when hiring additional workers,
and will inform each other of this through a system of
benchmarking. They will make information on their pro-
gress regularly and widely available;

(Amendment 16)

Annex, Guideline 11

encourage the development of

11.
self-employment by
examining, with the aim of reducing, any obstacles which
may exist, especially those within tax and social security
regimes, to moving to self-employment and the setting up of
small businesses as well as by promoting training for entrepre-
neurship and targeted support services for entrepreneurs and
would-be entrepreneurs.

encourage the development of

11.
self-employment by
examining, with the aim of reducing, any obstacles which
may exist, especially those within tax and social security
regimes, to moving to self-employment and the setting up of
small businesses as well as by promoting training for entrepre-
neurship and targeted support services for entrepreneurs and
would-be entrepreneurs. The development of self-employ-
ment will take into account gender-specific barriers.

(Amendment 17)

Annex, Guideline 12

to exploit

promote measures

12.
fully the possibilities
offered by job creation at local level and in the social economy,
especially in new activities linked to needs not yet satisfied by
the market, and examine, with the aim of reducing, any obsta-
cles in the way of such measures. In this respect, the special
role and responsibility of partners at the regional and local
levels, as well as the social partners, needs to be more fully
recognised and supported. In addition, the role of the public
employment services in identifying local employment opportu-
nities and improving the functioning of local labour markets,
should be exploited.

to exploit

promote measures

12.
fully the possibilities
offered by job creation at local level and in the social economy,
especially in new activities linked to needs not yet satisfied by
the market, and examine, with the aim of reducing, any obsta-
cles in the way of such measures. In this respect, the special
role and responsibility of
local and regional authorities,
other partners at the regional and local levels, as well as the
social partners, needs to be more fully recognised and sup-
ported. In addition, the role of the public employment services
in identifying local employment opportunities and improving
the functioning of local labour markets, should be exploited.

(Amendment 18)

Annex, Guideline 13

develop framework conditions

the
13.
the services sector and industry-
employment potential of
related services, inter alia by tapping the employment potential
of the information society and the environmental sector, to cre-
ate more and better jobs.

to fully exploit

to fully exploit

develop framework conditions

the
13.
the services sector and industry-
employment potential of
related services, which is still underutilised in comparison
with other industrialised countries,
inter alia by tapping
the employment potential of the information society and the
environmental sector, to create more and better jobs.

(Amendment 44)

Annex, Guideline 14

14.
set a target, if necessary and taking account of its present
level, for gradually reducing the overall tax burden and, where
appropriate, a target for gradually reducing the fiscal pressure
on labour and non-wage labour costs, in particular on relatively
unskilled and low-paid labour, without jeopardising the recovery
of public finances or the financial equilibrium of social security
schemes. It will examine, if appropriate, the desirability of introdu-
cing a tax on energy or on pollutant emissions or any other tax
measure.

14.
set target quotas, taking account of its present level, for
gradually reducing the overall tax burden and, where appropri-
ate, a target for gradually reducing the fiscal pressure on labour
and non-wage labour costs, without jeopardising the recovery
of public finances or the financial equilibrium of social security
schemes. It will consider, if appropriate, whether the intro-
duction of a tax on energy or on pollutant emissions or any
other tax measure is likely permanently to maintain the
financial balance of the social insurance systems.

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AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

(Amendment 19)

Annex, introduction to Guidelines 16 and 17

In order to promote the modernisation of work organisation
and forms of work, a strong partnership should be developed at
all appropriate levels (European, national, sectoral,
local and
enterprise levels):

In order to promote the modernisation of work organisation
and forms of work, a strong partnership is required at all
appropriate levels (European, national, sectoral, local and enter-
prise levels):

(Amendment 20)

Annex, Guideline 16

The social partners are urged to agree and implement a
16.
process in order to modernise the organisation of work, includ-
ing flexible working arrangements, with the aim of making
undertakings productive and competitive and achieving the
required balance between flexibility and security. Subjects to
be covered may, for example, include training and re-training,
the introduction of new technologies, new forms of work and
working time issues such as the expression of working time as
an annual figure, the reduction of working hours, the reduction
of overtime, the development of part-time working, and access
to training and career breaks.

The social partners are urged to agree in the context of
16.
their collective bargaining and implement a process in order
to modernise the organisation of work, including flexible work-
ing arrangements, with the aim of making undertakings pro-
ductive and competitive and achieving the required balance
between flexibility and social security, including minimum
standards of informing and consulting employees. Subjects
to be covered may, for example, include training and re-train-
ing, the introduction of new technologies, new forms of work
and working time issues such as the expression of working
time as an annual figure, the reduction of working hours, the
reduction of overtime, the development of part-time working,
and access to training and career breaks.

(Amendment 45)

Annex, Guideline 17

examine the possibility of

incorporating in its law more
17.
adaptable types of contract, taking into account the fact that
forms of employment are increasingly diverse. Those working
under contracts of this kind should at the same time enjoy ade-
quate security and higher occupational status, compatible with
the needs of business.

adapt its law to allow for more adaptable types of con-
17.
tract, taking into account the fact that forms of employment
are increasingly diverse. Those working under contracts of this
kind should at the same time enjoy adequate security com-
pared to full-time employees and higher occupational status,
compatible with the needs of business.

(Amendment 21)

Annex, Guideline 18

18.
re-examine the obstacles, in particular tax obstacles, to
investment in human resources and possibly provide for tax
or other incentives for the development of in-house training;
they will also examine new regulations and review the existing
regulatory framework to make sure they will contribute to
reducing barriers to employment and helping the labour mar-
ket adapt to structural change in the economy.

remove the obstacles,

18.
in particular tax obstacles, to
investment in human resources and possibly provide for tax
or other incentives for the development of in-house training;
they will also examine new regulations and review the existing
regulatory framework to make sure they will contribute to
reducing barriers to employment and helping the labour mar-
ket adapt to structural change in the economy.

(Amendment 22)

Annex, introduction to Guideline 19

Women still have particular problems in gaining access to the
employment market, in career advancement, in earnings and in
reconciling professional and family life. It is therefore impor-
tant, inter alia:

Women still have particular problems in gaining access to the
employment market, in career advancement, in earnings and in
reconciling professional and family life. The Member States
and the EU must make a combined effort to decrease the

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AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

current EU gender gap in each Member State by 50%
within five years. It is therefore important, inter alia:

< to ensure that active labour market policies are made avail-
able for women in proportion to their share of unemploy-
ment;

< to ensure that active labour market policies are made avail-
able for women in proportion to their share of unemploy-
ment;

< to reduce tax-benefit disincentives, wherever

identified,
because of their negative effects on the female labour sup-
ply;

< to reduce tax-benefit disincentives, wherever

identified,
because of their negative effects on the female labour sup-
ply;

< to give particular attention to obstacles which hinder
women who wish to set up new businesses or become
self-employed;

< to give particular attention to obstacles which hinder
women on the labour market or in access to the labour
market or when they wish to set up new businesses or
become self-employed;

< to ensure that women are able to benefit positively from

flexible forms of work organisation.

< to ensure that women are able to benefit positively from
flexible forms of work organisation on a voluntary basis.

(Amendment 23)

Annex, Guideline 19

19.
adopt a gender-mainstreaming approach in implement-
ing the Guidelines of all four pillars. In order meaningfully to
evaluate progress on this approach, Member States will need to
provide for adequate data collection systems and procedures.

19.
adopt a gender-mainstreaming approach in implement-
ing the Guidelines of all four pillars. In order meaningfully to
evaluate progress on this approach, Member States will need to
provide for adequate data collection systems and procedures.
All employment statistics should be desegregated by gen-
der and within one year Member States will develop a set
of benchmarks and criteria for the implementation and
evaluation of gender mainstreaming.

(Amendment 24)

Annex, Guideline 20

attempt

to reduce the gap in unemployment

20.
rates
between women and men by actively supporting the increased
employment of women and will take action to bring about a
balanced representation of women and men in all sectors and
occupations. They will initiate positive steps to promote equal
pay for equal work or work of equal value and to diminish dif-
ferentials in incomes between women and men. In order to
reduce gender gaps, Member States will also consider an
increased use of measures for the advancement of women.

attempt

to reduce the gap in unemployment

20.
rates
between women and men by actively supporting the increased
employment of women and will take action to bring about a
balanced representation of women and men in all sectors and
occupations. They will initiate positive steps to promote equal
pay for equal work or work of equal value, with the aim of
eliminating differentials in incomes between women and men.
In order to reduce gender gaps, Member States will also con-
sider an increased use of measures for the advancement of
women.

(Amendment 25)

Annex, introduction to Guideline 21

Policies on career breaks, parental leave and part-time work, as
well as flexible working arrangements which serve the interests
of both employers and employees, are of particular importance
to women and men. Implementation of the various Directives
and social-partner agreements in this area should be accelerated

Policies on career breaks, parental leave and part-time work, as
well as flexible working arrangements which serve the interests
of both employers and employees, are of particular importance
to women and men. Implementation of the various Directives
and social-partner agreements in this area should be accelerated

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and monitored regularly. There must be an adequate provision
of good quality care for children and other dependants in order
to support women’s and men’s entry and continued participa-
tion in the labour market. An equal sharing of family responsi-
bilities is crucial in this respect. In order to strengthen equal
opportunities, Member States and the social partners will:

AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

and monitored regularly. There must be an adequate provision,
in the form of comparable targets for the Member States,
of good quality care for children and other dependants in order
to support women’s and men’s entry and continued participa-
tion in the labour market. Member States will increase the
number of child care places and institutions for the care of
older persons and other persons in need of care. An equal
sharing of family responsibilities is crucial in this respect. In
order to strengthen equal opportunities, Member States and
the social partners will:

(Amendment 26)
Annex, Guideline 21

design, implement and promote family-friendly policies,
21.
including affordable, accessible and high quality care services
for children and other dependants, as well as parental and
other leave schemes.

design, implement and promote family-friendly policies,
21.
including affordable, accessible and high quality care services
for children and other dependants, as well as parental and
other leave schemes. Member States, in consultation with
their social partners, will provide legal remedies for
women and men who are discriminated against for taking
parental and care leave.

European Parliament legislative resolution on the proposal from the Commission, ‘Guidelines for
Member States’ Employment Policies 2000’ (COM(1999) 441 # C5-0147/1999 # 1999/0816(CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

< having regard to the Commission proposal (COM(1999) 441 < 1999/0816(CNS)),

< having been consulted by the Council (C5-0147/1999),

< having regard to Rule 67 of its Rules of Procedure,

< having regard to the report of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and the opinions of
the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Committee on Women’s Rights and Equal
Opportunities (A5-0045/1999),

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

2.
ment;

3.

4.

Calls on the Council to notify Parliament should it intend to depart from the text approved by Parlia-

Asks to be consulted again if the Council intends to amend its draft decision substantially;

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission.