Towards a more coherent framework for addressing long-term care workforce challenges: from evidence to policy responses

Building on the mutual learning workshop held in April 2025, the webinar took stock of new evidence on specific challenges of the long-term care workforce, in particular shortages and low attractiveness of the sector, aiming to come to pragmatic solutions to tackle those through improved working conditions, better enforcement of labour rights, and reinforced support for further professionalisation of the sector.

This webinar aimed to foster a collaborative dialogue among key stakeholders on actionable strategies to catalyse further action to improve the long-term care workforce situation. It built upon the European Care Strategy and national implementation reports of the Council recommendation on access to affordable high-quality long-term care, as well as findings from recent expert reports and data on working conditions, skills gaps, and employment dynamics within the LTC sector.

Participants explored policy avenues at EU and Member State levels, including actions by the social partners and civil society organisations, to promote practices that work for attracting, retaining, and supporting a high-quality workforce, advocating for fair labour practices, and ensuring equitable access to high-quality long-term care for all.