European Union News - Social Affairs

A report presented by Eurofound shows that the transformation of the retail sector in recent years, due to technological innovations and the increasing dominance of large retailers, has affected career patterns, working conditions and employment status. In addition to this, the report illustrates a significant decline in the number of self-employed and a substantial increase in the number of part-time jobs and non-permanent contracts.

Two European groups have take part in the 2012 International AIDS Conference held in Washington D.C., USA, between 22 and 27 July. This conference, organized by the International AIDS Society, aims at presenting key scientific advances made in the fight against AIDS and providing a new opportunities to exchange experiences and knowledge.

The European Commission published on August 1 2012 its report on the activities carried out by the European Migration Network (EMN) since its creation. The report highlights the contribution made by the network to the policy-making process on asylum in migration.

The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) has published a study which examines how the use of financing schemes using payback clauses for training may encourage companies to invest in employees' training. These clauses allow companies to offer training to their workers by safeguarding their investment if the employee leaves the company.

A new paper from the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA) reviews some of the approaches used today to minimise the hazards for young people in recreational settings. Surveys confirm that in many recreational venues drug use is more prevalent than in the general population. The report highlights the need for a balanced mix of prevention, harm reduction and law enforcement interventions to tackle the issue.

During the celebration of the 14th Japan-EU Symposium on Employment and Social Issues, both sides highlighted the continued impacts on the labour markets resulting from the economic crisis, and the need to continue their efforts to addressing longer term challenges.

The European Commission published the second annual report which proves that the European Progress Microfinance Facility has been a successful tool to create jobs, particularly amongst groups with difficulties to raise finance from more traditional sources, by helping start-ups by micro-entrepreneurs.