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By bringing together the main actors in employment, training and education in a network, the European Skills Council will contribute to the formulation of recommendations by addressing a wide range of issues related to adaptation to technological change, qualification standards, labour market monitoring, and human resource development.



The Commerce sector (wholesale, retail and international trade) has a key position in the European and international market and is a major source of employment creation. Therefore, in order to adapt to current changes in the market and in the evolution of the skills needed, this industry needs also to adjust and modernise by creating effective Education Training and Employment Strategies capable of generating quality jobs and attractive careers in the sector



After a first feasibility study and interviews made to skills anticipation bodies in various EU countries, social partners agreed to establish a EU Commerce Sector Council for employment and skills. The network will initially comprise members from the following countries that have accepted to take part: Belgium, Denmark France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain but will be opened to new members after the start of its activities.



“This initiative aims at creating a network of the various European Commerce Observatories and education and labour market stakeholders that exist in Europe and to promote synergies for a better, more sustainable and more competitive European Commerce Industry” said EuroCommerce Director General Christian Verschueren. “It also aims at improving the attractiveness of the sector, by giving workers the opportunity for updating their skills, improve their professionalism and access to a better career path” added UNI Europa Regional Secretary Oliver Roethig “which in turn will contribute to make the employment more stable and will have a positive effect on the retention of the workforce in the sector.”



Ms Wallis Goelen, Head of Unit at the Directorate General for Employment and Social affairs, of the European Commission congratulated the social partners of commerce for the establishment of a Skills Council and described this establishment as a leading example. A lot has been achieved, the setting up of a Sector Skills Council is a good piece of work and it is very important to continue in this way.



You can find the agreement that has been signed by UNI Europa and EuroCommerce by clicking on the Tab entitled 'Related Documents'.