EC issues warning on 2010 jobs target

The EU risks missing its target for 70 per cent employment by 2010 because of the slow pace of structural reforms in some member…

The EU risks missing its target for 70 per cent employment by 2010 because of the slow pace of structural reforms in some member states, a European Commission spokesman said.

"In the new enlarged EU, if we don't tackle gender gaps, regional gaps and the problem of low-skilled workers then we risk missing our employment targets," said employment and social affairs spokesman Mr Andrew Fielding.

"It is possible and realistic to hit the target but if we relax our efforts then we could miss it," he said.

In the commission's annual employment report to be published tomorrow, gender gaps, regional differences and skill gaps will be identified as areas of concern that could scupper the 70 per cent target for overall employment, the 60 per cent target for women and the 50 per cent target for 55-to-64 year-olds.

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Fielding said the report will be a form of warning to Italy, Spain and Germany which have the slowest pace of reform.

The chief concern of the commission, he said is that the EU will fall further behind the US and Japan, where the absolute employment rates are higher, and will then experience capital flight.

The annual employment report will be released at 11.30 am tomorrow.

PA