Online Contribution 16 July 2012 - European Commission
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Online Contribution 16 July 2012
What are your views on ways to What are your views on the What are your views on ways What are your other ways to
improve measurement and utility of developing sharing of ensuring quality services and ensure greater
monitoring of the employment of experiences, especially jobs (skill needs, working professionalization of
levels in personal and concerning the tools used or conditions), including possibly personal and household
household services, taking planned to support the through development quality services jobs ?
into account the impact of the on- personal and household standards ?
going crisis, loss of purchasing services with a specific
power, labour market attention to the cost
exclusion issues and the effectiveness and to the
potentially positive effect on the reduction of undeclared
creation or growth of SMEs ? work ?
Better transparency in the employment of Centres for personal and household We believe it is necessary that the In the process of ensuring greater
domestic helpers may be provided with the services would be important also quality of service should take into quality and professionalism of jobs in
relevant institution in the regional (or even from the standpoint of the exchange account the different expectations and the sector of personal and household
local) level, which would pull together of experience, cost-efficiency and habits of users, so in matter of this issue services is extremely important
information on the needs of the population prevention of undeclared work; with it is important both : professional feedback and evaluation from users
after the personal and household services. the relevant national and training as well as direct experience of and providers of these services. It is
Such common institution would be able to international networking, common those who carry out these services. In important that these responses
combine the information with the public centres should collect the this context, the organization of reflect the actual situation and
(e.g.: with the centres for social work, experience of good practice and the national or international education information so collection activities
employment services, health homes, applicable arrangements in the field would be useful ; it would be should be regularly carried out by
hospitals) and the local level (e.g.: local of personal and household services appropriate that education is related to institutions acting in this field
public institutions in the field of social at the national and international theoretical and practical level, with (already mention public institutions
services, the local branches of State levels and with up-to-date exchange cooperation of experienced artists and and non-governmental
institutions) and with the level of non- of information to affect positive professionals, and that at the end organizations); in that matter
governmental organisations, which often (and negative) solutions in these achieved knowledge also evaluate smaller non-governmental
means compensation for the individual, who areas. An important component of (certificate or diploma) - such education organisations are especially
due to different causes, power outage in the such centres would be already could be organized and leaded by important, as they are usually closer
system of State or local aid. In such mentioned from time to time previous mention common centres. to the people, which means that
institutions or centres there could be more information collection on the needs Model of the quality of the services people find it easier to entrust their
1information on the needs and employment in and the implementation of these should develop in collaboration with problems to them. With the frequent
the sector of personal and household services services ; such collection could be service providers and with the collection of information also service
on individual regional or local levels; such carried out in the form of surveys participation of experts in this field; a (and education) would be easier to
centres should with this objective in and questionnaires, which must be model should not be fixed, but should adapt, supplements and upgrades,
cooperation with public institutions and non- carried out in certain intervals by be a subject to a periodic review and be what would mean that they are in
governmental organizations, in certain public institutions and non- adapted according to the identified the end more quality and
intervals, carry out surveys on the real governmental organisations - some needs and the situation on the ground - professional for users.
situation in certain local areas ; in fact, the of the issues in the context of these in this context, and on this issue, the
situation in this area would thus be quite surveys or questionnaires could be aforementioned centres could also play
realistically estimated. also related to the supply of these and justify their informational and
works in the context of the black research role. The quality of the work
market (e.g.: the amount of the would have to be provided in relation to
payment, range of services, profile the rest of the work areas, namely with
providers, etc.). Formal work with the appropriate approach to active
such frequent information could be inclusion with decent salaries, respect
easier to compete with the quote on for rights, access to services etc. Also
the black market, since it could this area could be covered with
quickly adapt to the situation which regional/local centers as they could
is more favorable for the user. collect, do training and spread
Definitely we agree that the price information to services providers about
of the service should be more existing right, conditions and needed
favorable for the user than those on procedures, and in the same time they
the black market - and at the same also could collect information about
time we also believe that violation of those rights and about
sufficiently stimulative condition for problems users and service providers
those who will carry out such work are facing during their daily personal
must exist, however, also the and household services work.
quality of service is a priority.
Messen und überwachung ist sehr wichtig Die pflegerische Grundversorgung wie Wenn Leistungen durch dafür
nicht nur wegen der wirtschaftlichen Krise beispielsweise das Waschen, das geschultes Personal erfolgen oder
und den Ausschluss aus dem Arbeitsmarkt Ankleiden von Pflegebedürftigen und die durch Sozialsicherungssysteme
sondern auch weil wir einen Mangel an Vorbereitung der Nahrung können durch finanziert werden, muss eine
Arbeitskarft in diesem Sektor mit dem Ältern dafür qualifizierte Kräfte erfolgen. Qualitätssicherung der Leistung
der Bevölkerung in den kommenden Jahren Dafür bedarf es keiner Ausbildung als sichergestellt werden. Zudem sollte
befürchten. Ein Weg zum messen wäre eben Pflegefachkraft. Dabei ist es notwendig, das Personal fortlaufend auf den
die Einführung von adaptierten dass dieses Personal ständige aktuellen Stand des Wissens durch
Weiterbildungsprogramme, durch die die Fortbildung erhält und eine Fortbildungen gebracht werden. Die
2Arbeitskräfte in dem Bereich auch besser Qualitätsprüfung der durchgeführten gilt auch wenn Angehörige die Teile
berücksichtigt werden könnte. Leistung erfolgen sollte. Eine Anleitung der auf Pflege übernehmen. Dabei
durch geschultes Fachpersonal sollte ein möglichst
(Pflegefachkräfte) ist denkbar. Bei niederschwelliger Zugang geschaffen
Tätigkeiten die fachlich fundierte werden, so dass Angehörige die
pflegerische Wissensstände bedürfen Schulung nicht als Be- sonder als
(zum Beispiel Wundversorgung, Entlastung wahrnehmen. Ein Mix aus
Arzneimittelgabe oder Übernahme von Arbeitskräften mit unterschiedlichen
ärztlichen Tätigkeiten) bedarf es der Aufgaben und unterschiedlichen
Sicherstellung durch ausreichend Qualifikationenniveaus kann, mit
fachlich qualifiziertes Personal einer konkret definierten
(Mindestanforderung examinierte Aufgabenbeschreibung der jeweiligen
Pflegefachkraft). Generell müssen Arbeitsfelder, eine gelungener Weg
Anreize geschaffen werden, die dazu in die Zukunft darstellen. Dies stellt
führen Schwarzarbeit abzubauen. sicher, dass sowohl qualifizierte
Arbeitplätze geschaffen werden wie
auch gering qualifizierte das
notwendige Arbeitsangebot finden.
Ebenso berücksichtig ein Mix die
Problematik der Finanzierung in
angemessener weise. Insgesamt
müssen die Anreize geschaffen
werden können, um das geschulte
Personal dazu zu bringen sich
fortlaufend zu qualifizieren um ein
hohes Qualitätsniveau sicher zu
stellen.
Member States should recognize the Sharing of experiences – in the 1. Quality employment standards: Address the gender gap, make the
potential of the sector and have a broader frame of the OMC and European decent wages, access to social security, sector attractive to men as well by
interest on the development of the Personal projects – should be used to: 1. employment rights and protection, guaranteeing equal pay for equal
and Household services, not only related to develop high quality training decent working hours and conditions, work, equal benefits, equal training
the creation or growth of SMEs, and should models, for compulsory training, and training for carers (both in the and equal opportunities, equal rights
actively support these services. before and while working; formal and informal contexts). This can and high quality standards of
Unfortunately, austerity policies have a employment centers should give help make the sector attractive and employment. Make sure that the
strong impact on the internal market and priority to trained workers that people less at risk of poverty. 2. Quality volunteer carers have a sound
private consumption is falling, so the belong or have started their own services: promote a clear referential of knowledge of the needs of the
prospects are not good. Enabling the SME or social enterprise. 2. develop guidelines for service quality but also to people they take care of: good will is
3employment potential of PHS means supervision systems and models to support organizations and individuals in not enough. Volunteer carers should
improving the purchasing power, and be used by public social and health enforcing them, and set up the not be the only ones to care for a
supporting the organizations, the services that should monitor these structures and the human resources to person, there should be a close
professionals and non professional carers in workers vis-à-vis their do so, which means, in most cases, collaboration with professionals. The
providing quality services. We also need a professionalism and their working additional support. 3. In the case of the time spent as a volunteer carer
clear option for professionalization of conditions as to avoid abuse on individuals, especially in an informal should be assessed by independent
services and workers, namely by defining both sides. 3. Promote a Charter context, non-profit organizations professionals within the social and
career paths, qualifications and training on professional care givers' rights involved in delivering PHS could also be health services and should be used as
models, in the context of quality jobs. The (decent employment, work-life the core (or reference point) of small training if the volunteer plans a
initial focus should be on the existing service balance, training, social security, networks of informal carers (namely career in the care sector. Local
providers but, simultaneously, a more vacations and leaves, recognition of family members), extending the support authorities, governments and
integrated approach is necessary regarding qualifications taken abroad, etc). provided to professionals to them. institutions should support and
informal care, family care, legal frameworks, 4. Monitoring and forecasting future Issues regarding training, psychological finance the creation organizational
etc. A strong link between local needs of labor force and required support or the rest period of informal structures (SMEs or social
employment centers and social services is skills, avoiding shortages or “brain carers could be addressed by making enterprises) through specific
required. Priority should be given to those drains” in other countries. This can the most of the services that an budgets. The existence of a
workers that belong to or have started their be done by using the ESF. 5. organization has to set up to support referential for services is not enough
own SME, or service provider cooperative, Establish a common reference for their professionals. 4. Participation of to assure quality, we need to define
and have received proper training. Families qualifications and training, define those benefiting from PHS is also the necessary conditions for its
should be made aware of the risks involved career paths and raise the extremely important in order to allow implementation, evaluation and
in hiring an untrained person : cases of professional status of personal and the tailoring of services to individual improvement (a process that also
abuse and neglect being very high. Workers household carers. If parameters needs and the continuous improvement implies the participation of
should be guaranteed and made aware of (service vouchers, simplified of service delivery. 5. Access to organizations, professionals and
their rights: working hours, decent pay, administrative procedures, tax counseling and training in the personal beneficiaries). Consequently, it is
vacation and rest time. Support is need for deductions, etc) are set adequately and household service sector. Training also necessary to support it by all
trade unions in organizing domestic workers. and the cost of services is accessible and lifelong learning opportunities means considered necessary (legal,
Families and households who hire a worker to a broad specter of the families should be person-centered rather than financial or others). The greater
for personal and household services should (especially low and medium income task-oriented in order to develop the professionalization of personal and
have a high tax rebate in case of low or families), it will foster the potential required skills and qualifications to household services jobs will depend
medium income families. Many immigrants for growth of SMEs providing PHS, work in this sector (care of the elderly, on how well the current challenges
perform this kind of work for a limited period and enable employment in the care of children, household duties, are tackled. The issues of pay,
of time, the aim being that of going back to sector, which will probably absorb etc.). Counseling to avoid burn-out and working hours, working conditions,
the country of origin or another country as people involved in undeclared work. for being able to deal with difficult rest and leave, training, counseling
soon as possible. Their rights and benefits It is important to defend and situations. 6. Promote the application of and support for the professionals are
should be kept when moving to another reinforce the role of non-profit ethical recruitment practices, through still far from being properly
country or their country of origin. organizations, including social the employment centers in cooperation resolved. But we also need to
enterprises. It is also important to with the social and health services. 7. foster the participation of the
define an adequate legal framework Guarantee migrant care workers beneficiaries of Services (the person
for self-employment in the sector employed in families and households the and the family), which means raising
and simultaneously consider the same working conditions and rights of their awareness and expectations on
4organizational structures that will the EU citizens (pay, working hours, service delivery and setting up the
allow an individual to deliver leave, social security, access to adequate participation mechanisms,
services in the same conditions as a education etc.) which should be clearly linked with
small or medium organization continuous improvement of service
(regarding issues of quality, pay, delivery.
training, rights and protection,
support, etc
Concerning the insight in vacancies in the The system of the ‘service checks’ In order to attract and keep employees In order to professionalize the jobs it
sector: all vacancies are registered at the (‘dienstencheques’) is proved to be in the sector, a good legal status is important that the schooling and
‘Flemish governmental employment successful in the reduction of including good working conditions and training, possibly provided by the
organisation’ (‘VDAB’). Numbers about undeclared work by providing legal legal security are a must. This should be care organisations themselves, are
employment levels and payments are household services at a lower price a legally required for all forms of well adapted to the reality at the
currently available in the social security than the prices on the ‘black employment, including interim work. work floor. In Flanders a clear
administrative databank of the Federal market’, through tax reductions for Also control mechanisms, including legal difference is made between
government (‘RSZ’). Monitoring these the users per ‘service check’. At the consequences, should be introduced to ‘personal services’ and ‘household
numbers could help in getting insights in the same time the helpers in the assure that all organisations live up to services’. Meaning that ‘personal
employment levels. Since the salaries are household, employed in this system, these requirements. In order to assure carers’ perform more ‘personal care’
negotiated per industry in so-called get a legal status, including good qualitative jobs and services it is which , amongst others, is more
‘paritaire comités’ (committees representing employment conditions and legal important to have sufficient and intimate and requires other
both employers and employees), the security. A databank or ‘platform’ qualitative management and coaching qualifications that the ‘household
numbers are available per committee and with data about the employment of the ‘personal carers’ and ‘household care’ performed by ‘household
thus on industry level (not per profession). levels of all organisations within the workers’. Given the fact that people helps’. This also implies a difference
Also missing, are data on the employment of ‘service checks’ (‘dienstencheques’) will have to work longer, it is important in working conditions, including
so called ‘target groups’: groups of people system could give more insight in its to focus on the employment of older salary. Given this difference,
who are generally more difficult to employ. effectiveness. This would make people, both to improve the specialisation per profession can
Data on the employment of these groups continuous monitoring possible on a recruitment and the retention of these help professionalise the jobs and
could help monitoring the effects of specific national (or, maybe in the future, people. In order to improve the services. In order to professionalize
aspects of the employment policies and international) level. Possibilities for employment of these older people a and to keep employers knowledge
actions performed for employing these unemployed people to get retraining code for ‘age-awareness’ in human and skills up-to date, continuous
specific groups (as a part of social inclusion and to get prepared for specific resources was introduced in the social training is required. Management
policies). The system of the ‘service checks’ jobs, helps in redirecting possible profit sector. Since work-life balance is and regular coaching of the personal
(‘dienstencheques’) is thoroughly evaluated employees into the direction of very important, part-time work and carers and household helps of
on a yearly basis (by IDEAconsult). A ‘service specific industries. This way the flexible contracts can help attract Familiehulp, both by their hierarchic
check’ is a voucher with a fixed price that unemployed can also get directed people to work in the sector. An chefs and by specialised staff
can be used to pay for household services into the sector of personal and example of a specific contract, meant workers helps professionalise the
provided by organisations that are active in household services. The Flanders’ to improve the work-life balance, is the employers and therefore the services
government has several policy ‘school bell’-contract, that makes it
5this ‘service checks’-system. instruments specifically for possible for employees to bring their of the organisation.
improving diversity in employment kids to and get them out of school.
in all sectors. One of these is called Individual childcare, as opposed to
‘Jobkanaal’. This project, executed collective childcare, is less cost-
by the different employers effective. Also, collective childcare is
organisations, intermediates preferable over individual childcare
between the employment services since it has been proven to improve the
and the employers in order to social development of children.
overcome prejudice and
discrimination against certain
groups, namely ‘people over 50
years old’, ‘people with a another
cultural background’ and ‘people
with a ‘work handicap’’. This is
important because the potential
workforce amongst these groups is
rather big. In order to overcome
the problem of not being able to
employ people who do posses
certain skills, because of a mere
lack of diploma, the so called ‘Proof
of experience’ (‘Ervaringsbewijs’)
got introduced. This way people can
get a proof of their skills after they
passed a certain test that checks
the skills they need for a specific
profession. This way they have a
uniform proof of there skills which
employers accept because they a
In Belgium, a clear example exists of a It is clear that outside the Belgian To develop household services ensuring The Belgian measure on household
measure in household services. The measure service-voucher system, other quality is an important attraction for services uses vouchers as a method
of service-vouchers improves employment, measures exist such as in France workers and users. Firstly, domestic of exchanging services. This allows
both for low-skilled workers as for users by and Austria. It is therefore essential services are not attractive jobs. To the government to implement
facilitating their work-life balance. From the to share experiences of these tools ensure the inflow of workers, several controls on the use of the
experience of evaluating this system for 8 and their functioning, in particular interesting working conditions have to system and also makes it easier to
consecutive years, IDEA Consult can provide their results on employment and be provided, in comparison with other monitor the evolutions. An important
several insights and recommendations within their cost. The sharing of several more attractive low-qualified jobs. aspect in the Belgian system is the
6a broader European context. First of all, it is practices should lead to the Moreover, it has to be more interesting triangular relationship between
essential to provide a clear distinction within development of clear definitions, for a worker to work in the system than companies, workers and users, which
the scope of personal and household target groups and objectives. The in the black market. Secondly, the ensures quality and accountability.
services. While both types of services have measure could be tailored to quality of the work is also important for This also allows for greater control,
several elements in common, experience include the improvement of the the stability of the job, and therefore limiting fraud and other misuse.
with service vouchers in Belgium shows that work-life balance and/or to provide for the quality of the services. Users do Vouchers are sold by an external
both are also distinctly different. On the one better care and/or to address not appreciate having to switch organization (Sodexo) to users, which
hand, personal services are part of care, and specific groups in the labour workers. To reach these results, quality in turn apply for services from a
require specific skills and knowledge for market. But depending on these of employment must be part of the recognized company. The company
those who provide this kind of services. Many secondary objectives besides objectives of any measure put in place. will then send a worker to the user.
of these services are now generally done in decreasing undeclared work and Therefore, active involvement by the The worker has a contract with the
family circle or with outside formal help. augmenting employment, different government in the market should take company, meaning that both user
Regulations and official organizations in this practices should be used, targeting place by setting minimum standards for and worker can hold their company
field already exist. On the other hand, different groups. The Belgian decent work, regulating working hours, responsible in case of problems. Only
household services are generally either done example, the service voucher working conditions and benefits. In the companies with explicit permits can
by members of the household or by system is an expensive system. The case of Belgium, a specific employment recruit and employ workers for the
undeclared workers. The necessary skills are government provides almost 14 euro contract was developed for the service service voucher system. Instead of
often much lower and almost no formal extra for each voucher, which costs vouchers, with different regulations having to check workers individually
legislation or organizations exist covering the 7,5 euro. Together with fiscal concerning the number of hours worked, the government thus sets standards
sector. The service voucher system in reductions for each voucher, the the contracts. Evaluations show that through the companies which
Belgium, with focus on household services, cost was €1.43 billion for the working conditions for workers numbers are far more manageable.
generates new jobs, especially for target government in 2010. Yet important improved steadily, providing satisfaction These companies can be either profit
groups (older workers, low skilled and financial returns for the government amongst workers and users. Training is or non profit organisations. The
foreigners). It created more than 150 are also generated such as savings another essential part. As household organizations of the non profit sector
thousand jobs directly, covering 4% of the in unemployment benefits, services generally employ low-skilled alone are not able to provide for all
Belgian working population. The system also surpluses in the social contributions, workers and immigrants, sufficient the needs of the users. Yet the non
creates indirect employment such as personal income tax, new revenues training is needed to upgrade skills and profit sector is also essential to make
administrative staff. The system has also an from corporate taxes and additional to ensure employability. Governments sure certain target groups are
impact on the number of hours of users. A revenues in terms of management should also facilitate training through included which the profit sector
similar system would certainly be able to staff. Other indirect returns concern collective training funds and other might more easily overlook. We
create a lot of jobs throughout Europe, surpluses in revenues from VAT, due support measures. In Belgium this is consider that a professionalization of
directly but also indirectly. However, the to the additional revenues of done by a national training fund, the activities is one of the most
measure should be targeted to the services workers (and administrative targeted to service-voucher workers and important conditions to develop this
employable target groups, priced on level staff) and additional tax revenues companies. Quality of employment is kind of activities.
with undeclared work and regulated to due to additional working hours of an important objective within the
ensure correct business models. In this way service users. These returns are service voucher system in Belgium. As a
difficult groups can enter the labour market, estimated to reach up to 50% of the consequence, we can observe that the
services remain affordable and new business gross intervention. However, a lot service voucher employment in Belgium
and employment is created. of indirect returns are difficult to is a stable job. A lot of workers are
estimate. We know that earn back working in the system since the
7effects are in fact much higher. The beginning. The satisfaction of workers
crucial lesson from the service but also of users is very high.
voucher system is the following.
Pricing of the services must be able
to compete with undeclared work,
perhaps even temporarily
undercutting it. Secondly the
budget for the government must
remain under control by adapting it
to users preferences and behaviour
and taking return effects into
account.
The weight of personal services in Italy’s The economic crisis is weakening A survey carried out by CENSIS (a well The economic crisis and structural
national economy is well evidenced in recent domestic demand and reputed Italian Research center) factors such as globalization,
surveys. The whole sector shows strong consumptions, with heavy highlights the low quality of technological changes, aging of the
employment growth and has most consequences on the labor market employment in the Italian personal population contribute to the rapid
contributed to the creation of new jobs, of most of EU Countries. In this services sector: 10.2% of the workforce transformation of European labor
recording the largest increase in the last five context, undeclared work helps to is in fact composed of unskilled markets. As a result of this
years (+29.5% between 2004 and 2009). If further curb growth and occupation workers, who have recorded the best accelerated evolution, the lack of
carefully analyzed and promoted, the sector in Europe, as it doesn’t comply growth rate (+16.4% against an average suitable skills in some areas or jobs
can offer many opportunities for job with regulations concerning working of 6.5%). In the last five years, 233,000 already coexist with unemployment
creation, both for highly qualified and conditions, social rights of workers, out of 944,000 newly employed in across the EU. The technological
unskilled jobs. It is therefore very important social security and minimum wages, services are unqualified workers, while development is expected to affect
to increase the ability of administrators - at thus reducing tax revenues and the number of highly specialized the evolution of this sector as well,
different levels of government – to: threatening the financing of social workers has increased by 79,000 units though in a so far unpredictable way.
coordinate employment policies, strengthen security. This phenomenon is only. It is necessary to strengthen The qualification requirements,
and streamline matching processes, analyze generally widespread in areas with cooperation between educational especially with regard to home care
local labor markets and develop high labor intensity and low entities and relevant stakeholders in the services, are therefore expected to
interventions benefiting businesses and profitability such as agriculture, labor market, in order to identify and be higher and higher, and they are
citizens. We must start without delay a construction, retail trade, catering promote measures to combat the accentuated by the need for urgent
virtuous process of monitoring and evaluation or domestic services. The fight phenomenon and to establish reorganization of public services in
of the planning and implementation of more against undeclared work is fully part appropriate standards of quality. In this connection with heavy deficits of
efficient and personalized services. In order of the macro areas of intervention sense, the sharing of experiences may local services. For these reasons, in
to strengthen and improve the activities of adopted by Italy to contrast the be an important tool to gather order to ensure a greater
measuring and monitoring occupational labor market crisis, also through the qualitative information and examples of professionalization (and accordingly
levels in the sector, the following elements revision of inspection procedures best practices, so as to integrate the quality of service) we need: a
should be taken into account: the creation of and sanctioning system. The quantitative monitoring and strengthen detailed analysis of skills needs; the
8a national Observatory/Agency with regional European Commission considers the the basis for the development of ability to plan training courses on
offices for certified services; the fight against undeclared work a key policies based on facts. To measure the the basis of locally identified basic
consolidation of information flows among the challenge of the modernization of quality of the sector, we believe that a skills needs and to establish proper
different levels of governance and the European legislation. However, quality system should be defined training standards in different
establishments of national and/or regional since undeclared work is inherently (quality factors= characteristics of the geographical areas, consistent with
databases; the development of capabilities difficult to identify and may be service related to the needs of users), the professional profile and the
for integration policies in the territories defined differently by individual e.g.: Bodies appointed to verify quality specific tasks to be performed;
through the increase and improvement of national laws - as pointed out by standards, functionality of services, planning and implementing
interaction, exchange and cooperation the Commission itself – it is difficult working conditions, professional level of periodical update courses, providing
among public and private employment to make a statistical evaluation of staff and, also, indicators and reference continuing education; providing
services, trade unions, third sector; the the phenomenon at European level. standards, e.g. regional registers, training and learning methodologies
identification of shared indicators of It is therefore essential to network with training and employment that facilitate access to those
measurement (e.g.: coverage rate on the strengthen cooperation and services, employment qualifications, already employed in the sector
supply and demand-side, annual workers’ intensify the exchange of recognition and certification of job (flexibile schedules, “light” distance
turn over, maintenance of work at 6 months information and good practice, experiences, etc. learning, etc..)
and after 1 year; etc..) and tools (on-line because analysis is an important
information system; interviews, focus factor in the choice of a strategy to
groups, involvement of opinion leaders, counteract this phenomenon. The
etc..); the identification and planning of data obtained from the aforesaid
measures to promote and ensure the analysis could allow not only a
monitoring process; the acquisition of data greater knowledge of the general
provided by the major statistical institutes in issue but also help benchmarking
order to measure the impacts of actions different territories. In fact,
taken interventions to prevent and
contrast undeclared work
necessarily require: a specialization
in the field; coordination between
policies; the launch of a prevention
campaign directed towards
enterprises, families and workers at
risk, combined with the use of
deterrent controls, in order to
increase social awareness of the
seriousness of the phenomenon and
induce compliance
- Establish a common definition for home The issues brought up by the home - Draw a consistent public regulation. - Bring a deeper knowledge of the
care and household services on European care services are common to all Consistency between employment sector to organizations in charge of
level - Focus the definition to key services European countries (aging policies and social policies, consistency employment and training (needs of
that are certainly common to all European population, balance between between targeted quality of employers, real content of jobs ...) -
9countries (housework, childcare, care of professional and family life, job employment and resources allocated. - Develop an offer of quality training,
dependent/elderly/disabled people, creation, public support for fragile Promote recognition of personal home which respond to professional needs
gardening ...) - Give priority to “service populations ...) as well as the care services and their real costs in (skills required and training
provider” way of intervention, instead of problems, which are encountered practice - Limit the exercise of business organization). The aim is to adapt
direct employment, in order to guarantee a (undeclared work, solvency of to “service provider” way of the sector to changes that are
better and sustained following of employees demand, quality of services and of intervention - Initiate and establish a ongoing or forecasted in short future
(training, education) - Establish a specific employment ...). However, the label recognized by the general public, (e.g. ICT), and thus sustain its
NACE code (statistics) - Set up an obligation answers are not always the same ensuring a level of service quality - business. For employees, this
on companies of home care services to and common among countries. Support projects that share resources development should improve the
report statistics on activities and on Beyond the cultural specificities, and establish cooperation among attractiveness of the sector, reduce
employment to public services, in return for sharing of these practices is an companies (which may relate to the turnover, provide career paths and
the public support to the sector - The public opportunity for stakeholders of the internal organization of service, retain staff. - Focus on “service
authorities, who collect and process these sector: - For public authorities, development of supply and services, provider” way of intervention,
statistics, should publish in return this policy support to the sector in fight jobs ...), particularly through the which ensures the quality and
information to professionals and the general against undeclared work, in taking establishment of professional networks. monitoring (of employment, training
public quickly and on a regular basis, for care of vulnerable population - Promote jobs in home care services and quality of services) - Impose a
concern of transparency, of access rights of groups and creation of quality jobs, through development of skills and conventional framework stable and
citizens to public information. This and all that in a constrain budgetary education - Work on organization of common to all players regardless of
information will enable professionals to drive context. - For professional companies (management of intervention their status (provide a stable and
and adjust their strategies according to networks, it would be a source of schedules, integration and use of ICT uniform environment for actors in
changes in the environment, and thus make tools for supporting businesses and tools ...) - Design conditions for social the sector) - Support of professional
durable their activities and employments. employees - For companies on their and technological innovation in the networks (and supporting structures)
practices and daily management of sector - Support efforts of business on to pool, share resources and
activities, the tools used and the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) - coordinate the needs and responses
relationship to public funders. Support the health and safety of in terms of professionalization. -
Sharing of experiences may cover employees - Facilitate the integration of Allocate the necessary resources to
the issue of employment, of quality new hires as to stabilize and to secure the professionalization
of services and care of fragile the loyalty of employees - Quality
population groups, management and standards are useful, since they send
business organization, the costs and signals and a guarantee of quality of
economic performance... services to the customer. Quality of
Additional reflections on particular services is a determining criterion for
service types may be interesting to customers, and thus determine the
discuss and assess in order to sustainability of jobs. However, up to
explore specificities of home care date on the market grew many quality
services for instance. These labels, which suffer from lack of
exchanges of experiences should recognition and visibility from
bring several benefits to the actors: customers (content of labels?). In
- Emergence and diffusion of addition, for professionals, the quality
innovations (organizational, standards represent a significant cost,
10technological, social, service, ...) which in a highly competitive market, is
embedded in practice but to date difficult to cover and to make
largely unknown among profitable. A common reflection on a
professionals of different countries; "European label" would be useful.
- Improved efficiency of services
(e.g. teleprocessing solutions, ...),
of quality of services and
procedures; - Reduction in
undeclared work.
European Social Network welcomes this ESN is a network whose main First and foremost, the skills needs of Some form of accreditation to
consultation as part of the employment mission lies in the exchange of good the PHS sector should be based on the confirm identity and check police
package. Whilst the health workforce practice and mutual learning, so demands of those who will be buying record to ensure that no-one is
communication deals with more formal would support sharing of these services. Quality in social employed in PHS who is a threat to
medical and care issues, this consultation experiences in this area. The BE, services/LTC has tended to be defined vulnerable children or adults. A
rightly picks up on the PHS sector. ESN AT, DE and FR examples in the staff by structural and input measures (care modular training system might be
ESN broadly agrees with the paper's analysis of working document should prove worker/client ratio; level of considered by MS/regions that could
the PHS sector and its potential for job interesting for other MS. Perhaps qualification of staff; fire regulations of recognise pre-existing
creation. Given the scale of demographic some initial policy mapping of other buildings; square metres per resident) skills/qualifications and fill in the
change and likely disability or morbidity MS could be carried out through the but it should be done more in terms of gaps. It could cover among other
rates, the PHS sector is important because it National Social Reports in 2013 the experience of the person using the items: food hygiene; managing
puts people in control of their lives and their under the section 'health and long- service, (Was the PHS worker on time? prescribed drugs; lifting; first aid;
care/support needs at home. In our view term care'. In this way, the PHS Did she do what was asked? Was she health and social care system (where
there is also potential to be part of a sector would be polite and respectful? etc.) and on to get other help, including in an
preventive approach to long-term care, presented/discussed within the results/outcomes (has the older emergency); language skills. It may
perhaps preventing loneliness (may lead to broader context of other LTC person's confidence/quality-of- also be necessary to consider
depression) or falls (may lead to hospital challenges such as sustainable life/independence increased since PHS personal liability insurance in case of
treatment and need for ongoing help) and in funding; health/social care provision began?). Good working an accident in the home or to the
general keep people more self-reliant for coordination, strategic area-based conditions and pay may contribute to person receiving the PHS. ESN looks
longer. PHS workers could also be trained to needs assessment (see UK the PHS worker's professionalism and to forward to further dialogue with the
spot likely problems and seek additional 'commissioning' or BE 'lokal the experience of the person buying Commission on all these points.
specialist assistance from other health and socialbeleid'), individual needs the PHS service. Again, it might be Contact: Stephen Barnett, Policy
social professionals as required. PHS should assessment of the person, choice interesting to consider quality of service Director: stephen.barnett@esn-
also - if accompanied by higher-level care and quality regulation not only in and of workplace as part of a peer eu.org
provision at home - help keep older people residential care but also in home- review on PHS or even a wider EC-
at home for longer, rather than in residential care provision - likewise, this would funded study of PHS in MS; certainly
care.ESN has concerns about seeing job ensure that job creation was not the this would be the first step before
creation as the driver for PHS development, driver of debate and policy introducing additional EU-level quality
11rather than the needs of citizens and the development, but the rather the standards or principles. Quality systems
gaps in existing services. The LTC sector is needs of citizens and the gaps in for formal health and social care may
already divided between health and social current provision. A social need to look carefully at PHS sector to
care; creation of a separately financed and protection peer review in 2013 on see how it might be feasible to regulate
regulated PHS sector may lead to further PHS would be a good option, again it. Possibilities might include:
fragmentation. It is always tempting to ask with citizens' needs at the forefront registration of PHS provider
for more and better data, but we have to be of discussions, not solely job organisations; registration of PHS
careful that the data will be used well by creation. workers; voluntary quality certification
policy-makers. It might in the first instance of PHS organisations; compulsory
be worth doing a mapping exercise (through reporting by PHS organisations;
the SPC or EPC) or an independent study. If inspection/spot checks of PHS
some countries have more data than others provision. The bare minimum
(and use it for policy-making), then their requirement should be a clear
data could be shared with other MS, who complaints and alert procedure that
may wish to develop their data in the same draws attention to poor quality and
way. Efforts to improve PHS data should be even abuse/neglect of people receiving
seen as part of efforts to improve general PHS in their own home. However, some
data on the LTC or CC sectors rather than of these options may be considered too
becoming a separate initiative. onerous for the public purse/PHS sector
to bear - there needs to be balance
between allowing the sector to grow
and innovate and regulation to ensure
safety and quality.
Danish Confederation It is a difficult area to measure, since a The Danish Confederation of Trade The Danish experiences show that
of Trade Unions, substantial part of the work takes place in Unions supports a discussion of best involving the employees in the
private households and in the informal practices at European level, in innovative process regarding work
Quality standards can contribute to the
economy. In the opinion of The Danish order for the countries to learn flow and equipment have lead to job
improvement of working conditions in
Confederation of Trade Unions, regular jobs from each other’s experiences. The satisfaction and engaged employees,
service jobs, assuming that these
should be created; jobs that are covered by actual effort to prevent undeclared who feel they have been heard by
standards include the prevention of
collective agreements and not based on a work should be a national affair. their management. Through
attrition and monotonous, repetitive
variety of subsidies. The establishment of a Using funds from the Social Fund or employee driven innovation more
work. A substantial part of improving
well functioning public sector with a other structural funds is not ideas have been patented and
the job profile is to improve the health
developed health care system and access to recommendable, since it would lead hereby increased the earnings of the
and safety conditions. Involving the
child care will eliminate a great part of the to a first and second class labour institution in question.
workers in the planning and execution
demand for such services. At the same market.
of their own jobs gives more job
time, a control securing the payment of tax
satisfaction and thereby also increased
and VAT of the services should be
12implemented. It would also, possibly, job quality.
increase the employment participation rate.
A good way to ensure quality services Training (formations) and share of
and jobs could be to monitor the experiences and regular meeting
services rendered as well as to impose between employees-employers and
to the employees and employers who between employers-
work in this branch of activity to clients/beneficiairies and between
regularly participate to training session employers themselves (or employers
("formations" in French) on different unions (fédérations patronales
matters relating to this area of activity, employeurs) in the branch of
such as training on how employees have activity)
to behave with the clients/beneficiaries
of these services, how to
incent/encourage employees and
employers to do well their job/activity
(to do well for the clients/beneficiaries
in respect of the rights and personal life
of the employees), and to do always
better for the beneficiaries/clients but
with the insurance to protect the rights
of the employees (the employers have
to be flexible on the way they manage
the services rendered), and how to give
best information to the families of the
clients/beneficiairies (regular
information, information of best
quality, proposition to improve the
services offered/rendered, etc...).
These are examples only....
Le Think Tank Le Think Tank européen Pour la Solidarité Pour la Solidarité a constitué un Il convient d’abord de souligner
européen Pour la tient à féliciter la CE pour son Document de réseau européen des services à la l’importance des investissements
Solidarité travail et se réjouit de cette consultation personne à finalité sociale, qui dans les formations, comme évoqué
Basé sur ses analyses menées sur cette
lancée par la CE. Nous comprenons cette nous a permis d’organiser de dans le Document (3.3. Compétences
question, Pour la Solidarité considère
stratégie européenne et félicitons la volonté nombreuses activités autour de ce et formation). Nous pensons par
13de la CE de continuer à travailler sur la secteur. Les rencontres que par leur proximité relationnelle, la ailleurs qu’il faut généraliser les
dimension sociale de la stratégie Europe européennes des services à la qualité de ces services ne peut être formations existantes, identifier les
2020. Sur la base de son étude personne que nous avons organisées pensée sans y intégrer le bénéficiaire. compétences requises pour ces
(Vieillissement actif et solidarité à Bruxelles (24.01.2012) ont d’une C’est pourquoi il nous parait capital de métiers et introduire la formation
intergénérationnelle:constats, enjeux et part, identifié des besoins remettre le bénéficiaire au centre et tout au long de la vie dans ce
perspectives,2011), des différents travaux identiques dans l’ensemble des pays prendre en considération sa secteur. Pour la Solidarité insiste
qu’il a réalisés et du colloque qu’il a européens (vieillissement, satisfaction. Nous préconisons une également sur l’importance des
organisé (Rencontres Européennes des participation accrue des femmes au relation de triangulation pour le secteur technologies de l’information et de
Services à la Personne,2012), Pour la marché du travail, etc.), mais ont concerné (entre l’usager, le travailleur, la communication (TIC), comme le
Solidarité partage le point de vue de la CE d’autre part, montré la et l’entreprise prestataire), et non de fait la CE dans le Document (3.3.
que, dans le contexte actuel, la demande de méconnaissance réciproque des gré à gré comme c’est le cas en France. Technologies). Nous accentuons
services dans ce secteur sera exponentielle différentes initiatives pour soutenir Nous avons constaté que ce système l’importance d’investissement dans
dans les prochaines années. Nous considérons les services aux personnes à garantit une plus grande qualité de la les TIC et d’extension de leur usage,
qu’un des dispositifs permettant d’améliorer l’échelle européenne. Bien que les relation usager-bénéficiaire, de la car les TIC sont selon nous un outil
la mesure et le suivi des taux d’emploi est Etats membres soient confrontés prestation et de l’emploi. Nous de professionnalisation dans le
celui des titres-services, utilisé actuellement aux mêmes défis, les réponses préconisons également la mise en place management des services par les
en Belgique et France et évoqué apportées sont différentes d’un des régulations privées et publiques (en structures. Les TIC peuvent en effet
légitimement dans le Document de la CE (2.4 pays à l’autre. Conscients que termes de formation, de contrat de remplir diverses fonctions:
et 3.2). Ce dispositif, outre de soutenir et chaque pays possède ses spécificités travail, etc.), tout en pratiquant un communication, information,
solvabiliser la demande, permet la création et fait face à une réalité territoriale contrôle plus régulier et efficace sur le autonomisation, rationalisation, etc.
d’emplois pour deux catégories majeures de singulière, nous considérons qu’il y lieu de travail. En effet, nous Autant de fonctions qui peuvent
travailleurs qui occupent traditionnellement a réellement lieu d’encourager les considérons que les démarches de simplifier tant la vie des prestataires
ce secteur : femmes et migrants. Comme nos échanges d’expériences, favorisés à certification ont pour objectif de de services que celle de leurs
études l’ont montré, le système de titres- juste titre par la CE. Partant de ces rassurer les usagers, mais qu’elles usagers. Pour ces raisons, le
services ouvre davantage le marché de constats, il nous semble réaliste de n’écartent pas complètement les développement des emplois
travail légal aux femmes, et permet aux proposer que ces échanges risques de comportements concernés doit être accompagné
migrants de l’intégrer. Nous estimons que, d’expériences soient développés opportunistes. De plus, il faut être d’innovations technologiques.
dans une période où l’austérité règne, dans un cadre plus formalisé, tel vigilant avec la multiplication des labels Ensuite, nos recherches montrent
entrainant des baisses du pouvoir d’achat, il que le permet la méthode ouverte car cela complique le choix des usagers. que la construction de réseaux
est essentiel et justifié que de tels dispositifs de coordination (MOC). Il semble Enfin, étant donné la faible qualité territoriaux permettrait la création
soient soutenus financièrement par les que la MOC ‘inclusion sociale’ d’emploi constatée dans le secteur d’outils de professionnalisation co-
pouvoirs publics, au vu des bénéfices générés pourrait être un cadre propice pour lucratif, et notamment, le phénomène construits et mutualisés. Les réseaux
par ces services aux niveaux individuel et accueillir de tels échanges. L’UE de turnover qui ne peut être accepté territoriaux jouent en effet le rôle
collectif, les nombreuses externalités pourrait alors soutenir dans ces services où le travailleur est en de structures intermédiaires entre
positives générées, tant en termes de officiellement tous les Etats constante relation avec le bénéficiaire, acteurs locaux et autorités publiques
cohésion sociale, de conciliation vie privée- membres dans l’effort mutuel de nous préconisons de privilégier les régulatrices. Nous estimons que ces
vie professionnelle que d’égalité homme- co-construction d’un cadre, d’un structures d’économie sociale plutôt structures intermédiaires jouent un
femme. C’est pourquoi il nous parait référentiel, et de principes que le secteur lucratif. Nous estimons, rôle non négligeable dans le
important d’envisager d’étendre le titre- communs qui régiraient le secteur et l’étude menée sous la direction des développement et la structuration
services à toute l’UE, de même que des services aux personnes. Les professeurs Marthe Nyssens et Jacques des activités, et participent ainsi au
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