Measures to promote employment and solidarity

In spite of the many economic advantages which the completion of the internal market will bring, the fight against the continuing high levels of unemployment will still be one of the main tasks of politicians at national and Community level. The priority is to continue existing programmes. The Commission will produce more analyses of regional and sectoral developments, the necessary information for which will be provided by the regular reports on the labour market situation in the Member States. The main elements of employment policy are the ongoing programmes of action at local level (since 1986), measures to promote female employment, and the programme of action for the longterm unemployed which was requested by the Council in 1986 and set in motion at the end of 1988.

This programme studies the wide variety of experience in the Member States and examines interesting projects. On the basis of the results of the studies, there will be an exchange of information and advice. Equally important will be the achievement of further reductions in youth unemployment. The Helios programme is designed to foster the social and economic integration of handicapped people.