91998E0224

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0224/98 by Christine Crawley (PSE) to the Commission (13 February 1998)

Subject: The impact of changing work patterns

Would the Commission provide information on the extent to which it is discussing the implications of changing work patterns?

Is it satisfied that coordination within Commission departments on the issues of changing work patterns such as education and training, the effects on social insurance and the ageing of the population, is conducive to a consistent Commission overview of the future of work patterns for our citizens?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (9 March 1998)

With the adoption of the green paper 'Partnership for a New Organisation of Work' ((COM(97) 128 final. )), the Commission initiated a debate on the implications of changing work patterns. The green paper has been widely distributed and a series of conferences and round tables held in Member States bringing together people in labour market organisations and from research, education and training institutes. This wide-ranging European debate will be concluded at a European conference to be held on 28-30 April 1998 in Glasgow, jointly organised by the United Kingdom Presidency and the Commission.

The importance and challenge of co-ordination across the relevant policy areas is fully appreciated by the Commission and the necessary inter-service collaboration has been put in place, to facilitate a coherent overview and approach.