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How MEPS want to tackle in-work poverty in the EU

To fight in-work poverty, MEPs want action on minimum wages and support for those most at risk including women and gig economy workers.

Nearly 10% of EU workers are living in poverty, with 21.7% of the population affected by poverty or social exclusion. On top of this, the pandemic risks exacerbating inequalities in the EU.

In light of this, MEPs are urging the European Commission and EU countries to include the prevention of in-work poverty in their overall goal to end poverty in the EU because the principle according to which “work is the best remedy for poverty” does not apply to low-wage sectors and those working under precarious and atypical working conditions.

In a report adopted 9 February, MEPs called for minimum wages to be set above the poverty threshold.

More on EU measures to improve workers’ rights.

European directive on minimum wages

MEPs welcomed the Commission’s proposal for EU rules on adequate minimum wages, describing it as an important step to ensure that everyone can earn a living from their work and participate in society.

They said the law should ensure employers do not deduct the costs for carrying out work, such as accommodation or equipment, from minimum wages.

Click here for the full press release

 

Original article link: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20210211STO97613/how-meps-want-to-tackle-in-work-poverty-in-the-eu

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