The joint letter highlights the importance of provisions on carers’ leave and on the right to request flexible working arrangement – important arrangements to allow older people with care needs to stay in the labour market. It furthermore emphasizes that supporting the directive would be a strong signal for millions of EU citizens, in line with Mr Macron’s vision of a renewed enthusiasm for the European Union’s project. The economic benefits of improved reconciliation between work and family life and the important expected impact on gender equality are also highlighted.
AGE has been calling for long for the introduction of a European directive on carers’ leave, which would allow people whose family members are in need for care and support to remain in employment while caring for their relatives. The directive would be a first step towards a more global action to prepare our societies for demographic change, which should also include the development of affordable and person-centred long-term care services.
Read the letter here (in French)
For more information on this issue:
- AGE Platform Europe, Work-life balance: an urgent and necessary initiative also for older workers!
- Joint Statement to Employment and Social Affairs ministers: Call to support swift progress on Work-Life Balance Directive at EPSCO Council
- Informal care and work-life balance: increasing pressure on carers reported by Eurofound
or contact Philippe Seidel: philippe.seidel@age-platform.eu
