Brussels misses an opportunity for creating jobs

The European Commission today announced its revised position on the Services Directive in the light of the European Parliamentís first reading in February. The Commission decided to support the Parliamentís position that temporary agency work should be excluded from the scope of the Directive.

Commenting on the announcement Gareth Osborne, Managing Director of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation said ìthis is a missed opportunity for Europe. Europeís leaders make grand declarations concerning the creation of jobs and greater flexibility. However when push comes to shove they succumb to the protectionist fears of some countries and the European trade unions. Simplifying the cross border provision of temporary work services in Europe would lead to new jobs and greater mobility of workers.î

The REC met with senior Commission officials in the past weeks to seek a last minute understanding on this issue. Although our comments were taken on board it was always likely that the Commission would follow the vote of the Parliament. The REC will continue to work with our European association, Eurociett, to ensure that the true opportunities of temporary agency work are realised in Europe.