“How best to exploit the potential represented by elderly workers in the European Union”: that is the objective of the strategic document recently published by the European Commission. The document forms part of a programme of measures aimed at promoting the active ageing of the European population in order to improve employment both qualitatively and quantitatively by 2010 (15 million new jobs and a total minimum employment rate among the 55-64 age group of 70%). Presenting the document, EU labour Commissioner Margot Wallstroem emphasized that active ageing represents one of the Union’s three priorities for the realization of the Lisbon Strategy. The document defines the conditions for the promotion of employment for elderly workers such as proper financial incentives, permanent access to training, good conditions of health and safety on the workplace, flexibility of working arrangements and the implementation of more effective and higher quality policies for the labour market. The Commissioner lastly acknowledged the disappointing results obtained so far in a sector that sees only four people out of ten comprised between the ages of 55 and 64 enjoying permanent employment.
