With a statement published today, CoESS commits to support the European Commission and Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the launch of the Disability Employment Package – as announced in a Joint Statement with its EU Sectoral Social Partner UNI Europa from December 2021.

As highlighted in the statement, it is the responsibility of public authorities, including training and public employment services (PES), as well as cross-industry and sectoral Social Partners to improve employment rates of people with disabilities; pro-actively include them in the open labour market; and ensure equal access to employment and qualitative working conditions in full compliance with European and national legislation. As the European Commission’s Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 correctly states, “unlocking the potential and talents of persons with disabilities will be for the benefit of the individuals, the economy and cohesion of society as a whole.” 

The statement supports many of the proposals made by the European Commission in the preparation of the Disability Employment Package. CoESS however stresses that the European Commission, the Czech Presidency of the EU Council, the PES Network, CEDEFOP and EU-OSHA shall work closely not only with cross-industry, but also sectoral Social Partners in the implementation of these actions – an aspect that CoESS finds is not well reflected in the consultation process.

EU and national sectoral Social Partners can provide important information on career pathways for persons with disabilities, as well as relevant aspects for qualitative working and training conditions that respond to the occupational health and safety needs of persons with disabilities in specific sectors. 

You can find the full statement here.