The Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Kyriakos Koushos, participated on Thursday in the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council in Brussels which debated the presidency ‘s proposal for a common position of member states on a draft EU law to improve the working conditions of persons working through platforms.
In his intervention Koushos stated that adequate minimum wages, skills acquisition policies and minimum income, are factors that can significantly contribute to the achievement of the EU’s primary objectives for 2030 in terms of employment and poverty reduction.
The Minister pointed out that recognizing the need to protect the low salaries, Cyprus has recently introduced a national minimum wage. He also spoke of the need to strengthen policies for the acquisition of skills by professionals who are, and will be, in demand, and also welcomed the European Commission’s initiative to name 2023 the “European Year of Skills”.
With regard to the reduction of poverty, the Minister of Labor welcomed the adoption of a relevant recommendation by the Council.
During the discussion on European Strategy for Care, Koushos emphasized that the state has always supported the efforts of NGs and local authorities to provide programs through the State Support Plan, as well as for programs that contribute to improving the care of the elderly, people with disabilities and children.
He also informed his counterparts that the Government will announce soon a new Plan for the creation of new or expansion of existing child care structures, as well as specialized care and accommodation structures for children and adults with long-term care needs.
The Council adopted a General Approach for the revision of the Directive on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to asbestos at work.
The MS also adopted Recommendations in relation to adequate minimum income, early childhood education and care, and long-term care. Conclusions were adopted on gender equality in the economic crisis and on the participation of people with disabilities in the labour market.
Source: Cyprus News Agency