EFSI’s stand for the upcoming European Care Strategy

In light of the upcoming European Care Strategy – scheduled for the third quarter of 2022 - the EFSI published a new position paper. Basically, it outlines the numerous reasons why the PHS are a key sector to include into the forthcoming Strategy as well as it expresses recommendations for the European Commission.

After an introduction of the main characteristics of the sector, this position paper covers four main aspects of PHS. For each topic it puts forwards the relevant context and suggests recommendations to the Commission, Parliament, and Council.

The introductory part reminds the reader of the different employment models and underlines the main characteristics of the workforce and its particularities. Then, the angle of accessibility and affordability of PHS is put forwards. Here, PHS actors’ need for access to funding is highlighted including the access necessity to affordable care services based on preferential choices is advanced. Further, PHS’ contribution to gender equality and the place of undeclared work in the sector are pointed out. This is followed by the importance of high-standard quality of services. The need for certificate equivalences as well as vocational training and skills recognition is underlined. PHS’ inclusion and job creation opportunities are discussed afterwards. Indeed, the 11.6M job potential is highlighted and therefore requiring the acknowledgment of migrants’ contribution to the PHS and care workforce. Lastly, the relation between PHS, digitalization, technical tools, and the Silver Economy is discussed. Hence, the full capacity of technology for LTC should be harnessed. This can promote the interoperable digital tools meant to preserve social links.

Read the full position paper here.