Precarious work is abuse of vulnerable people – David Casa MEP

“One of the most troubling developments in many member states is the increase in precarious work. It is crucial that this abuse of vulnerable people is addressed. Precarious work jeopardises the future of European citizens. It implies that these citizens are not afforded the safeguards that are theirs by right, and dramatically increases their risk of poverty and social exclusion”, stated Head of the PN delegation David Casa during a debate on the employment aspects of the EU 2020 Strategy at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Figures show that despite the mildly positive reports in the EU in terms of job creation, it is estimated that a significant number of these jobs constitute precarious work.

“Unemployment in the EU has reached unacceptable levels. And when it comes to youth unemployment, the consequences of the current state of affairs should not be underestimated”, stated Casa. 

David Casa claimed that binding employment and social targets at European level are not the way forward.

“The solution from the left to address the current state of affairs in the EU is that of coming up with a wish-list of unrealistic binding targets that should be imposed on members states irrespective of their very particular and divergent situations. The legal framework for such an initiative is inexistent but more importantly, blanket binding obligations would achieve very little and could cause more problems than they solve”, explained the MEP

Casa appealed to member states to be vigilant in curbing abuses of the vulnerable in society and to be proactive and ambitious in enhancing the employment prospects of their citizens.

“The European Social economy must be protected. Measures that enhance and promote better matching of skills to labour market needs, lifelong learning, avoiding early school leaving and fostering entrepreneurship will go a long way to ensuring that citizens become and remain successful labour market participants”, concluded the Maltese MEP.