EU quality of work a 'top priority'

Four out of five workers in the EU are satisfied with their working conditions, according to a new survey published today.

But the poll shows that satisfaction with some aspects of work, such as pay or possibilities for career advancement, tends to be “significantly” lower.

Nearly 30,000 workers in 31 countries, the 27 EU members, plus Croatia, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey, took part in the survey, conducted by the Dublin-based European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions.

It found that health and safety risks at work remain an important concern, especially among workers from newer member states, such as Romania and Bulgaria.

This is “cause for concern” as is the finding that levels of access to training have not increased in Europe over the last ten years.

“Improving the quality of work should be a top priority in the EU," said Mans Martensson, a spokesman for the EU agency.

"Putting the accent on quality will be necessary to achieve sustainable, socially cohesive economic growth."

"This means increasing labour market participation as well as creating better and more productive jobs."

Though defining exactly what constitutes a good quality job can be difficult, the agency says that employers’ expectations such as worker commitment and adaptability can be considered key elements.

The European working conditions survey is conducted every five years and provides a valuable insight into quality-of-work issues on the continent.

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