5 RECOMMENDATIONS TOWARDS A 'SOCIAL CARING EUROPE': Moving forward with the recognition of the PHS sector

In view of the 2024 European elections, EFSI issued a set of recommendations on PHS addressed to the next designated EU Commissioners and MEPs.

Since the previous elections in 2019, Europe has faced substantial challenges affecting its social policy arena, including the global COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery efforts. In light of these circumstances, the upcoming 2024 European Parliament elections are once again set to take place in a time of significant political shifts and changes.

In the middle of all these changes, the Personal and Household Services (PHS) sector stands out as the cornerstone of our society, embodying the essence of care, assistance and equality. Yet, it faces hurdles that hinder its full potential. 

Our Recommendations:

1. Promoting Socio-Fiscal Incentives: Recognize and value the PHS sector by boosting public investment.
2. Attracting and Retaining PHS Workforce: Tailor regulations to the unique needs of PHS, tackling challenges like undeclared work and demographic shifts head-on.
3. Tackling Undeclared Work: Equip policymakers with accurate data and strategic initiatives to combat the undeclared work and ensure fair labor practices.
4. Ensuring Fair Competition: Foster an ecosystem of fair competition among PHS providers, empowering users and promoting harmonious coexistence of employment models.
5. Raising Awareness for Work-Life Balance and Gender Equality: Ensure affordable, high-quality PHS to promote gender equality, and ease the burden of informal caregivers.

 

You can download the Memorandum here.