§ Mr. HoodTo ask he Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the outcome of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council held on 4 March was; what the Government's stance on the issues discussed was, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [160101]
§ Mr. PondI represented the UK at this Council, accompanied by my hon. friend, the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Employment Relations, Competition and Consumers (Mr. Sutcliffe).
The main business was agreement of a package of ESPHCA Council contributions to the forthcoming Spring European Council meeting. There was a public debate on the 'key issues' paper summarising priorities in employment policy, social protection and inclusion.
The UK welcomed the key issues paper, particularly the single set of key messages that covered both the employment and social aspects of the Lisbon agenda. We highlighted the need to focus on creating more and better jobs in line with the employment targets set out at Lisbon in 2000 and refined at Stockholm in 2001 and Barcelona in 2002.
All member states welcomed the forthcoming tripartite social summit as a useful vehicle for social partners' contribution to achieving the Lisbon goals.
The Council also noted without comment: the work programmes for the Social Protection Committee and the Employment Committee; a series of reports on Presidency events; and a report by the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalisation.
215WThe Council discussed the Commission's review of the working time directive informally over lunch.
There were no votes taken at this council.