EU social partners commit to tackle workforce challenges in social services

A Framework of Action on Retention and Recruitment was adopted today 26 June 2025 at the meeting of the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Social Services, making a major step towards addressing the ongoing labour shortages in the sector. 

The agreement was jointly developed by the social employers and by the European Public Service Union (EPSU).

Social services across the EU provide vital care and support for older people, persons with disabilities, children and other vulnerable groups – services that are crucial for both labour market participation and social inclusion. Despite their importance, the sector continues to face significant workforce challenges. 

In 2018, the social services workforce in the EU27 amounted to 9.2 million workers.  Yet, most EU countries report persistent staff shortages and high turnover rates, with causes including low wages, physical and mental exhaustion (as exemplified during the Covid-19 pandemic), the impact of shift work, and psychologically demanding working conditions. 

Looking ahead, the demand is only set to increase. Estimates indicate that up to 7 million job openings for healthcare associate professionals and personal care workers will be created by 2030, and more than 1.6 million long-term care workers will need to be recruited by 2050 to maintain current care coverage levels.

Objectives of the Framework

The framework of action sets out a shared commitment by the signatory employers and trade unions to improve retention and recruitment in social services. Its two key aims are:

1. to define concrete actions that the signatory parties will implement, and
2. to propose targeted measures that national and local social partners can adopt, tailored to their specific environments and existing regulations,

The framework outlines a broad range of actions across several priority areas, including: 

• education and initial training,
• welcoming staff,
• safe staffing levels,
• valuing existing staff,
• training,
• lifelong learning and continuous professional development,
• work-life balance,
• gender equality and workforce diversity,
• occupational safety and health,
• managing change,
• communication,
• social dialogue and collective bargaining,
• and provisions for implementation. 

Background 

In September 2022, the European Commission launched its European Care Strategy, an implementation tool of the European Pillar of Social Rights. 

The strategy calls for improved working conditions in social services and urged Member States to promote collective bargaining and social dialogue within the sector, while ensuring the highest standards of occupational health and safety for the care workforce.

On 20 March 2024, the European Commission presented an action plan to tackle labour and skills shortages and proposed to work together with Member States and social partners to address these issues. Both the social employers and EPSU actively contributed to this action plan.

In this context, the adoption of the framework of action on retention and recruitment in social services represents a timely and concrete response to workforce challenges that threaten the sustainability and quality of care services across the EU.