title: Commission Recommendation of 29 October 2009 on the use of the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-08) (Text with EEA relevance)

text:
               10.11.2009

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               L 292/31

      COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION

   of 29 October 2009
   on the use of the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-08)
   (Text with EEA relevance)
   (2009/824/EC)
   THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
   Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 211 thereof,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               The International Labour Organisation has revised the previous version of the International Standard Classification of Occupations used hitherto (ISCO-88) with the objective of making available a more effective classification, which can be used by countries in the next round of population censuses, as well as in national employment services and other client-oriented applications. In order to ensure comparability between data on occupations from the EU Member States and the rest of the world it is important to adopt this revised classification (ISCO-08) in the main European Statistical System surveys collecting data on occupations before the next round of population census that will take place in 2011.

               (2)

               ISCO-08 classification is more detailed than the European version of ISCO-88 (ISCO-88 (COM)) in specific occupations in which a high share of women work.

               (3)

               Data on occupations is utilised for calculating the indicators on gender segregation used in the follow up of the European Employment strategy (Guideline 18: Promote a lifecycle approach to work and Guideline 22: Ensure employment-friendly labour cost developments and wage-setting mechanisms) (1). Therefore, it is essential to have a standard classification allowing the production of comparable data on occupations.

               (4)

               Data on occupations has also been used for measuring progress on gender balance in decision-making positions by looking at women’s and men’s share among ISCO-88 (COM) managerial occupations.

               (5)

               In the framework of the Council Resolution of 15 November 2007 on the new skills for new jobs (2), occupation will become important in the assessment of skills needs and gaps in the European labour market and a harmonised methodology on occupations will be essential.

               (6)

               ISCO-08 classification places more emphasis to occupations related to information and communication technologies,

         HEREBY RECOMMENDS:

               1.

               Member States should develop, produce and disseminate statistics broken down by occupations using the International Standard Classification of Occupations of 2008 (ISCO-08) as set out in the Annex or a national classification derived from ISCO-08.

               2.

               Member States should use ISCO-08 for the Structure of Earnings Survey 2010.

               3.

               Member States should use ISCO-08 from 2011 as reference year in all statistical domains providing statistics broken down by occupations.

      Done at Brussels, 29 October 2009.

            For the Commission

         Joaquín ALMUNIA

            Member of the Commission

      (1)  OJ L 198, 26.7.2008, p. 47.

      (2)  OJ C 290, 4.12.2007, p. 1.

      ANNEX

         ISCO-08 CLASSIFICATION

      1   Managers

      11   Chief executives, senior officials and legislators
      111   Legislators and senior officials

                  1111

                  Legislators

                  1112

                  Senior government officials

                  1113

                  Traditional chiefs and heads of village

                  1114

                  Senior officials of special-interest organisations

            112   Managing directors and chief executives

                  1120

                  Managing directors and chief executives

            12   Administrative and commercial managers
      121   Business services and administration managers

                  1211

                  Finance managers

                  1212

                  Human resource managers

                  1213

                  Policy and planning managers

                  1219

                  Business services and administration managers not elsewhere classified

            122   Sales, marketing and development managers

                  1221

                  Sales and marketing managers

                  1222

                  Advertising and public relations managers

                  1223

                  Research and development managers

            13   Production and specialised services managers
      131   Production managers in agriculture, forestry and fisheries

                  1311

                  Agricultural and forestry production managers

                  1312

                  Aquaculture and fisheries production managers

            132   Manufacturing, mining, construction, and distribution managers

                  1321

                  Manufacturing managers

                  1322

                  Mining managers

                  1323

                  Construction managers

                  1324

                  Supply, distribution and related managers

            133   Information and communications technology service managers

                  1330

                  Information and communications technology service managers

            134   Professional services managers

                  1341

                  Child care services managers

                  1342

                  Health services managers

                  1343

                  Aged care services managers

                  1344

                  Social welfare managers

                  1345

                  Education managers

                  1346

                  Financial and insurance services branch managers

                  1349

                  Professional services managers not elsewhere classified

            14   Hospitality, retail and other services managers
      141   Hotel and restaurant managers

                  1411

                  Hotel managers

                  1412

                  Restaurant managers

            142   Retail and wholesale trade managers

                  1420

                  Retail and wholesale trade managers

            143   Other services managers

                  1431

                  Sports, recreation and cultural centre managers

                  1439

                  Services managers not elsewhere classified

            2   Professionals

      21   Science and engineering professionals
      211   Physical and earth science professionals

                  2111

                  Physicists and astronomers

                  2112

                  Meteorologists

                  2113

                  Chemists

                  2114

                  Geologists and geophysicists

            212   Mathematicians, actuaries and statisticians

                  2120

                  Mathematicians, actuaries and statisticians

            213   Life science professionals

                  2131

                  Biologists, botanists, zoologists and related professionals

                  2132

                  Farming, forestry and fisheries advisers

                  2133

                  Environmental protection professionals

            214   Engineering professionals (excluding electrotechnology)

                  2141

                  Industrial and production engineers

                  2142

                  Civil engineers

                  2143

                  Environmental engineers

                  2144

                  Mechanical engineers

                  2145

                  Chemical engineers

                  2146

                  Mining engineers, metallurgists and related professionals

                  2149

                  Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified

            215   Electrotechnology engineers

                  2151

                  Electrical engineers

                  2152

                  Electronics engineers

                  2153

                  Telecommunications engineers

            216   Architects, planners, surveyors and designers

                  2161

                  Building architects

                  2162

                  Landscape architects

                  2163

                  Product and garment designers

                  2164

                  Town and traffic planners

                  2165

                  Cartographers and surveyors

                  2166

                  Graphic and multimedia designers

            22   Health professionals
      221   Medical doctors

                  2211

                  Generalist medical practitioners

                  2212

                  Specialist medical practitioners

            222   Nursing and midwifery professionals

                  2221

                  Nursing professionals

                  2222

                  Midwifery professionals

            223   Traditional and complementary medicine professionals

                  2230

                  Traditional and complementary medicine professionals

            224   Paramedical practitioners

                  2240

                  Paramedical practitioners

            225   Veterinarians

                  2250

                  Veterinarians

            226   Other health professionals

                  2261

                  Dentists

                  2262

                  Pharmacists

                  2263

                  Environmental and occupational health and hygiene professionals

                  2264

                  Physiotherapists

                  2265

                  Dieticians and nutritionists

                  2266

                  Audiologists and speech therapists

                  2267

                  Optometrists and ophthalmic opticians

                  2269

                  Health professionals not elsewhere classified

            23   Teaching professionals
      231   University and higher education teachers

                  2310

                  University and higher education teachers

            232   Vocational education teachers

                  2320

                  Vocational education teachers

            233   Secondary education teachers

                  2330

                  Secondary education teachers

            234   Primary school and early childhood teachers

                  2341

                  Primary school teachers

                  2342

                  Early childhood educators

            235   Other teaching professionals

                  2351

                  Education methods specialists

                  2352

                  Special needs teachers

                  2353

                  Other language teachers

                  2354

                  Other music teachers

                  2355

                  Other arts teachers

                  2356

                  Information technology trainers

                  2359

                  Teaching professionals not elsewhere classified

            24   Business and administration professionals
      241   Finance professionals

                  2411

                  Accountants

                  2412

                  Financial and investment advisers

                  2413

                  Financial analysts

            242   Administration professionals

                  2421

                  Management and organisation analysts

                  2422

                  Policy administration professionals

                  2423

                  Personnel and careers professionals

                  2424

                  Training and staff development professionals

            243   Sales, marketing and public relations professionals

                  2431

                  Advertising and marketing professionals

                  2432

                  Public relations professionals

                  2433

                  Technical and medical sales professionals (excluding ICT)

                  2434

                  Information and communications technology sales professionals

            25   Information and communications technology professionals
      251   Software and applications developers and analysts

                  2511

                  Systems analysts

                  2512

                  Software developers

                  2513

                  Web and multimedia developers

                  2514

                  Applications programmers

                  2519

                  Software and applications developers and analysts not elsewhere classified

            252   Database and network professionals

                  2521

                  Database designers and administrators

                  2522

                  Systems administrators

                  2523

                  Computer network professionals

                  2529

                  Database and network professionals not elsewhere classified

            26   Legal, social and cultural professionals
      261   Legal professionals

                  2611

                  Lawyers

                  2612

                  Judges

                  2619

                  Legal professionals not elsewhere classified

            262   Librarians, archivists and curators

                  2621

                  Archivists and curators

                  2622

                  Librarians and related information professionals

            263   Social and religious professionals

                  2631

                  Economists

                  2632

                  Sociologists, anthropologists and related professionals

                  2633

                  Philosophers, historians and political scientists

                  2634

                  Psychologists

                  2635

                  Social work and counselling professionals

                  2636

                  Religious professionals

            264   Authors, journalists and linguists

                  2641

                  Authors and related writers

                  2642

                  Journalists

                  2643

                  Translators, interpreters and other linguists

            265   Creative and performing artists

                  2651

                  Visual artists

                  2652

                  Musicians, singers and composers

                  2653

                  Dancers and choreographers

                  2654

                  Film, stage and related directors and producers

                  2655

                  Actors

                  2656

                  Announcers on radio, television and other media

                  2659

                  Creative and performing artists not elsewhere classified

            3   Technicians and associate professionals

      31   Science and engineering associate professionals
      311   Physical and engineering science technicians

                  3111

                  Chemical and physical science technicians

                  3112

                  Civil engineering technicians

                  3113

                  Electrical engineering technicians

                  3114

                  Electronics engineering technicians

                  3115

                  Mechanical engineering technicians

                  3116

                  Chemical engineering technicians

                  3117

                  Mining and metallurgical technicians

                  3118

                  Draughtspersons

                  3119

                  Physical and engineering science technicians not elsewhere classified

            312   Mining, manufacturing and construction supervisors

                  3121

                  Mining supervisors

                  3122

                  Manufacturing supervisors

                  3123

                  Construction supervisors

            313   Process control technicians

                  3131

                  Power production plant operators

                  3132

                  Incinerator and water treatment plant operators

                  3133

                  Chemical processing plant controllers

                  3134

                  Petroleum and natural gas refining plant operators

                  3135

                  Metal production process controllers

                  3139

                  Process control technicians not elsewhere classified

            314   Life science technicians and related associate professionals

                  3141

                  Life science technicians (excluding medical)

                  3142

                  Agricultural technicians

                  3143

                  Forestry technicians

            315   Ship and aircraft controllers and technicians

                  3151

                  Ships’ engineers

                  3152

                  Ships’ deck officers and pilots

                  3153

                  Aircraft pilots and related associate professionals

                  3154

                  Air traffic controllers

                  3155

                  Air traffic safety electronics technicians

            32   Health associate professionals
      321   Medical and pharmaceutical technicians

                  3211

                  Medical imaging and therapeutic equipment technicians

                  3212

                  Medical and pathology laboratory technicians

                  3213

                  Pharmaceutical technicians and assistants

                  3214

                  Medical and dental prosthetic technicians

            322   Nursing and midwifery associate professionals

                  3221

                  Nursing associate professionals

                  3222

                  Midwifery associate professionals

            323   Traditional and complementary medicine associate professionals

                  3230

                  Traditional and complementary medicine associate professionals

            324   Veterinary technicians and assistants

                  3240

                  Veterinary technicians and assistants

            325   Other health associate professionals

                  3251

                  Dental assistants and therapists

                  3252

                  Medical records and health information technicians

                  3253

                  Community health workers

                  3254

                  Dispensing opticians

                  3255

                  Physiotherapy technicians and assistants

                  3256

                  Medical assistants

                  3257

                  Environmental and occupational health inspectors and associates

                  3258

                  Ambulance workers

                  3259

                  Health associate professionals not elsewhere classified

            33   Business and administration associate professionals
      331   Financial and mathematical associate professionals

                  3311

                  Securities and finance dealers and brokers

                  3312

                  Credit and loans officers

                  3313

                  Accounting associate professionals

                  3314

                  Statistical, mathematical and related associate professionals

                  3315

                  Valuers and loss assessors

            332   Sales and purchasing agents and brokers

                  3321

                  Insurance representatives

                  3322

                  Commercial sales representatives

                  3323

                  Buyers

                  3324

                  Trade brokers

            333   Business services agents

                  3331

                  Clearing and forwarding agents

                  3332

                  Conference and event planners

                  3333

                  Employment agents and contractors

                  3334

                  Real estate agents and property managers

                  3339

                  Business services agents not elsewhere classified

            334   Administrative and specialised secretaries

                  3341

                  Office supervisors

                  3342

                  Legal secretaries

                  3343

                  Administrative and executive secretaries

                  3344

                  Medical secretaries

            335   Regulatory government associate professionals

                  3351

                  Customs and border inspectors

                  3352

                  Government tax and excise officials

                  3353

                  Government social benefits officials

                  3354

                  Government licensing officials

                  3355

                  Police inspectors and detectives

                  3359

                  Regulatory government associate professionals not elsewhere classified

            34   Legal, social, cultural and related associate professionals
      341   Legal, social and religious associate professionals

                  3411

                  Legal and related associate professionals

                  3412

                  Social work associate professionals

                  3413

                  Religious associate professionals

            342   Sports and fitness workers

                  3421

                  Athletes and sports players

                  3422

                  Sports coaches, instructors and officials

                  3423

                  Fitness and recreation instructors and program leaders

            343   Artistic, cultural and culinary associate professionals

                  3431

                  Photographers

                  3432

                  Interior designers and decorators

                  3433

                  Gallery, museum and library technicians

                  3434

                  Chefs

                  3435

                  Other artistic and cultural associate professionals

            35   Information and communications technicians
      351   Information and communications technology operations and user support technicians

                  3511

                  Information and communications technology operations technicians

                  3512

                  Information and communications technology user support technicians

                  3513

                  Computer network and systems technicians

                  3514

                  Web technicians

            352   Telecommunications and broadcasting technicians

                  3521

                  Broadcasting and audiovisual technicians

                  3522

                  Telecommunications engineering technicians

            4   Clerical support workers

      41   General and keyboard clerks
      411   General office clerks

                  4110

                  General office clerks

            412   Secretaries (general)

                  4120

                  Secretaries (general)

            413   Keyboard operators

                  4131

                  Typists and word processing operators

                  4132

                  Data entry clerks

            42   Customer services clerks
      421   Tellers, money collectors and related clerks

                  4211

                  Bank tellers and related clerks

                  4212

                  Bookmakers, croupiers and related gaming workers

                  4213

                  Pawnbrokers and money-lenders

                  4214

                  Debt-collectors and related workers

            422   Client information workers

                  4221

                  Travel consultants and clerks

                  4222

                  Contact centre information clerks

                  4223

                  Telephone switchboard operators

                  4224

                  Hotel receptionists

                  4225

                  Enquiry clerks

                  4226

                  Receptionists (general)

                  4227

                  Survey and market research interviewers

                  4229

                  Client information workers not elsewhere classified

            43   Numerical and material recording clerks
      431   Numerical clerks

                  4311

                  Accounting and bookkeeping clerks

                  4312

                  Statistical, finance and insurance clerks

                  4313

                  Payroll clerks

            432   Material-recording and transport clerks

                  4321

                  Stock clerks

                  4322

                  Production clerks

                  4323

                  Transport clerks

            44   Other clerical support workers
      441   Other clerical support workers

                  4411

                  Library clerks

                  4412

                  Mail carriers and sorting clerks

                  4413

                  Coding, proof-reading and related clerks

                  4414

                  Scribes and related workers

                  4415

                  Filing and copying clerks

                  4416

                  Personnel clerks

                  4419

                  Clerical support workers not elsewhere classified

            5   Service and sales workers

      51   Personal service workers
      511   Travel attendants, conductors and guides

                  5111

                  Travel attendants and travel stewards

                  5112

                  Transport conductors

                  5113

                  Travel guides

            512   Cooks

                  5120

                  Cooks

            513   Waiters and bartenders

                  5131

                  Waiters

                  5132

                  Bartenders

            514   Hairdressers, beauticians and related workers

                  5141

                  Hairdressers

                  5142

                  Beauticians and related workers

            515   Building and housekeeping supervisors

                  5151

                  Cleaning and housekeeping supervisors in offices, hotels and other establishments

                  5152

                  Domestic housekeepers

                  5153

                  Building caretakers

            516   Other personal services workers

                  5161

                  Astrologers, fortune-tellers and related workers

                  5162

                  Companions and valets

                  5163

                  Undertakers and embalmers

                  5164

                  Pet groomers and animal care workers

                  5165

                  Driving instructors

                  5169

                  Personal services workers not elsewhere classified

            52   Sales workers
      521   Street and market salespersons

                  5211

                  Stall and market salespersons

                  5212

                  Street food salespersons

            522   Shop salespersons

                  5221

                  Shop keepers

                  5222

                  Shop supervisors

                  5223

                  Shop sales assistants

            523   Cashiers and ticket clerks

                  5230

                  Cashiers and ticket clerks

            524   Other sales workers

                  5241

                  Fashion and other models

                  5242

                  Sales demonstrators

                  5243

                  Door to door salespersons

                  5244

                  Contact centre salespersons

                  5245

                  Service station attendants

                  5246

                  Food service counter attendants

                  5249

                  Sales workers not elsewhere classified

            53   Personal care workers
      531   Child care workers and teachers’ aides

                  5311

                  Child care workers

                  5312

                  Teachers’ aides

            532   Personal care workers in health services

                  5321

                  Health care assistants

                  5322

                  Home-based personal care workers

                  5329

                  Personal care workers in health services not elsewhere classified

            54   Protective services workers
      541   Protective services workers

                  5411

                  Fire-fighters

                  5412

                  Police officers

                  5413

                  Prison guards

                  5414

                  Security guards

                  5419

                  Protective services workers not elsewhere classified

            6   Skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery workers

      61   Market-oriented skilled agricultural workers
      611   Market gardeners and crop growers

                  6111

                  Field crop and vegetable growers

                  6112

                  Tree and shrub crop growers

                  6113

                  Gardeners, horticultural and nursery growers

                  6114

                  Mixed crop growers

            612   Animal producers

                  6121

                  Livestock and dairy producers

                  6122

                  Poultry producers

                  6123

                  Apiarists and sericulturists

                  6129

                  Animal producers not elsewhere classified

            613   Mixed crop and animal producers

                  6130

                  Mixed crop and animal producers

            62   Market-oriented skilled forestry, fishery and hunting workers
      621   Forestry and related workers

                  6210

                  Forestry and related workers

            622   Fishery workers, hunters and trappers

                  6221

                  Aquaculture workers

                  6222

                  Inland and coastal waters fishery workers

                  6223

                  Deep-sea fishery workers

                  6224

                  Hunters and trappers

            63   Subsistence farmers, fishers, hunters and gatherers
      631   Subsistence crop farmers

                  6310

                  Subsistence crop farmers

            632   Subsistence livestock farmers

                  6320

                  Subsistence livestock farmers

            633   Subsistence mixed crop and livestock farmers

                  6330

                  Subsistence mixed crop and livestock farmers

            634   Subsistence fishers, hunters, trappers and gatherers

                  6340

                  Subsistence fishers, hunters, trappers and gatherers

            7   Craft and related trades workers

      71   Building and related trades workers, excluding electricians
      711   Building frame and related trades workers

                  7111

                  House builders

                  7112

                  Bricklayers and related workers

                  7113

                  Stonemasons, stone cutters, splitters and carvers

                  7114

                  Concrete placers, concrete finishers and related workers

                  7115

                  Carpenters and joiners

                  7119

                  Building frame and related trades workers not elsewhere classified

            712   Building finishers and related trades workers

                  7121

                  Roofers

                  7122

                  Floor layers and tile setters

                  7123

                  Plasterers

                  7124

                  Insulation workers

                  7125

                  Glaziers

                  7126

                  Plumbers and pipe fitters

                  7127

                  Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics

            713   Painters, building structure cleaners and related trades workers

                  7131

                  Painters and related workers

                  7132

                  Spray painters and varnishers

                  7133

                  Building structure cleaners

            72   Metal, machinery and related trades workers
      721   Sheet and structural metal workers, moulders and welders, and related workers

                  7211

                  Metal moulders and coremakers

                  7212

                  Welders and flamecutters

                  7213

                  Sheet-metal workers

                  7214

                  Structural-metal preparers and erectors

                  7215

                  Riggers and cable splicers

            722   Blacksmiths, toolmakers and related trades workers

                  7221

                  Blacksmiths, hammersmiths and forging press workers

                  7222

                  Toolmakers and related workers

                  7223

                  Metal working machine tool setters and operators

                  7224

                  Metal polishers, wheel grinders and tool sharpeners

            723   Machinery mechanics and repairers

                  7231

                  Motor vehicle mechanics and repairers

                  7232

                  Aircraft engine mechanics and repairers

                  7233

                  Agricultural and industrial machinery mechanics and repairers

                  7234

                  Bicycle and related repairers

            73   Handicraft and printing workers
      731   Handicraft workers

                  7311

                  Precision-instrument makers and repairers

                  7312

                  Musical instrument makers and tuners

                  7313

                  Jewellery and precious-metal workers

                  7314

                  Potters and related workers

                  7315

                  Glass makers, cutters, grinders and finishers

                  7316

                  Sign writers, decorative painters, engravers and etchers

                  7317

                  Handicraft workers in wood, basketry and related materials

                  7318

                  Handicraft workers in textile, leather and related materials

                  7319

                  Handicraft workers not elsewhere classified

            732   Printing trades workers

                  7321

                  Pre-press technicians

                  7322

                  Printers

                  7323

                  Print finishing and binding workers

            74   Electrical and electronic trades workers
      741   Electrical equipment installers and repairers

                  7411

                  Building and related electricians

                  7412

                  Electrical mechanics and fitters

                  7413

                  Electrical line installers and repairers

            742   Electronics and telecommunications installers and repairers

                  7421

                  Electronics mechanics and servicers

                  7422

                  Information and communications technology installers and servicers

            75   Food processing, wood working, garment and other craft and related trades workers
      751   Food processing and related trades workers

                  7511

                  Butchers, fishmongers and related food preparers

                  7512

                  Bakers, pastry-cooks and confectionery makers

                  7513

                  Dairy-products makers

                  7514

                  Fruit, vegetable and related preservers

                  7515

                  Food and beverage tasters and graders

                  7516

                  Tobacco preparers and tobacco products makers

            752   Wood treaters, cabinet-makers and related trades workers

                  7521

                  Wood treaters

                  7522

                  Cabinet-makers and related workers

                  7523

                  Woodworking-machine tool setters and operators

            753   Garment and related trades workers

                  7531

                  Tailors, dressmakers, furriers and hatters

                  7532

                  Garment and related pattern-makers and cutters

                  7533

                  Sewing, embroidery and related workers

                  7534

                  Upholsterers and related workers

                  7535

                  Pelt dressers, tanners and fellmongers

                  7536

                  Shoemakers and related workers

            754   Other craft and related workers

                  7541

                  Underwater divers

                  7542

                  Shotfirers and blasters

                  7543

                  Product graders and testers (excluding foods and beverages)

                  7544

                  Fumigators and other pest and weed controllers

                  7549

                  Craft and related workers not elsewhere classified

            8   Plant and machine operators and assemblers

      81   Stationary plant and machine operators
      811   Mining and mineral processing plant operators

                  8111

                  Miners and quarriers

                  8112

                  Mineral and stone processing plant operators

                  8113

                  Well drillers and borers and related workers

                  8114

                  Cement, stone and other mineral products machine operators

            812   Metal processing and finishing plant operators

                  8121

                  Metal processing plant operators

                  8122

                  Metal finishing, plating and coating machine operators

            813   Chemical and photographic products plant and machine operators

                  8131

                  Chemical products plant and machine operators

                  8132

                  Photographic products machine operators

            814   Rubber, plastic and paper products machine operators

                  8141

                  Rubber products machine operators

                  8142

                  Plastic products machine operators

                  8143

                  Paper products machine operators

            815   Textile, fur and leather products machine operators

                  8151

                  Fibre preparing, spinning and winding machine operators

                  8152

                  Weaving and knitting machine operators

                  8153

                  Sewing machine operators

                  8154

                  Bleaching, dyeing and fabric cleaning machine operators

                  8155

                  Fur and leather preparing machine operators

                  8156

                  Shoemaking and related machine operators

                  8157

                  Laundry machine operators

                  8159

                  Textile, fur and leather products machine operators not elsewhere classified

            816   Food and related products machine operators

                  8160

                  Food and related products machine operators

            817   Wood processing and papermaking plant operators

                  8171

                  Pulp and papermaking plant operators

                  8172

                  Wood processing plant operators

            818   Other stationary plant and machine operators

                  8181

                  Glass and ceramics plant operators

                  8182

                  Steam engine and boiler operators

                  8183

                  Packing, bottling and labelling machine operators

                  8189

                  Stationary plant and machine operators not elsewhere classified

            82   Assemblers
      821   Assemblers

                  8211

                  Mechanical machinery assemblers

                  8212

                  Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers

                  8219

                  Assemblers not elsewhere classified

            83   Drivers and mobile plant operators
      831   Locomotive engine drivers and related workers

                  8311

                  Locomotive engine drivers

                  8312

                  Railway brake, signal and switch operators

            832   Car, van and motorcycle drivers

                  8321

                  Motorcycle drivers

                  8322

                  Car, taxi and van drivers

            833   Heavy truck and bus drivers

                  8331

                  Bus and tram drivers

                  8332

                  Heavy truck and lorry drivers

            834   Mobile plant operators

                  8341

                  Mobile farm and forestry plant operators

                  8342

                  Earthmoving and related plant operators

                  8343

                  Crane, hoist and related plant operators

                  8344

                  Lifting truck operators

            835   Ships’ deck crews and related workers

                  8350

                  Ships’ deck crews and related workers

            9   Elementary occupations

      91   Cleaners and helpers
      911   Domestic, hotel and office cleaners and helpers

                  9111

                  Domestic cleaners and helpers

                  9112

                  Cleaners and helpers in offices, hotels and other establishments

            912   Vehicle, window, laundry and other hand cleaning workers

                  9121

                  Hand launderers and pressers

                  9122

                  Vehicle cleaners

                  9123

                  Window cleaners

                  9129

                  Other cleaning workers

            92   Agricultural, forestry and fishery labourers
      921   Agricultural, forestry and fishery labourers

                  9211

                  Crop farm labourers

                  9212

                  Livestock farm labourers

                  9213

                  Mixed crop and livestock farm labourers

                  9214

                  Garden and horticultural labourers

                  9215

                  Forestry labourers

                  9216

                  Fishery and aquaculture labourers

            93   Labourers in mining, construction, manufacturing and transport
      931   Mining and construction labourers

                  9311

                  Mining and quarrying labourers

                  9312

                  Civil engineering labourers

                  9313

                  Building construction labourers

            932   Manufacturing labourers

                  9321

                  Hand packers

                  9329

                  Manufacturing labourers not elsewhere classified

            933   Transport and storage labourers

                  9331

                  Hand and pedal vehicle drivers

                  9332

                  Drivers of animal-drawn vehicles and machinery

                  9333

                  Freight handlers

                  9334

                  Shelf fillers

            94   Food preparation assistants
      941   Food preparation assistants

                  9411

                  Fast food preparers

                  9412

                  Kitchen helpers

            95   Street and related sales and service workers
      951   Street and related service workers

                  9510

                  Street and related service workers

            952   Street vendors (excluding food)

                  9520

                  Street vendors (excluding food)

            96   Refuse workers and other elementary workers
      961   Refuse workers

                  9611

                  Garbage and recycling collectors

                  9612

                  Refuse sorters

                  9613

                  Sweepers and related labourers

            962   Other elementary workers

                  9621

                  Messengers, package deliverers and luggage porters

                  9622

                  Odd job persons

                  9623

                  Meter readers and vending-machine collectors

                  9624

                  Water and firewood collectors

                  9629

                  Elementary workers not elsewhere classified

            0   Armed forces occupations

      01   Commissioned armed forces officers
      011   Commissioned armed forces officers

                  0110

                  Commissioned armed forces officers

            02   Non-commissioned armed forces officers
      021   Non-commissioned armed forces officers

                  0210

                  Non-commissioned armed forces officers

            03   Armed forces occupations, other ranks
      031   Armed forces occupations, other ranks

                  0310

                  Armed forces occupations, other ranks


title: Council Recommendation of 12 July 2011 on the National Reform Programme 2011 of Bulgaria and delivering a Council Opinion on the updated convergence programme of Bulgaria, 2011-2014

text:
               15.7.2011

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 209/5

         COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION
   of 12 July 2011
   on the National Reform Programme 2011 of Bulgaria and delivering a Council Opinion on the updated convergence programme of Bulgaria, 2011-2014
   2011/C 209/02
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 121(2) and 148(4) thereof,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies (1), and in particular Article 9(3) thereof,
   Having regard to the recommendation of the European Commission,
   Having regard to the conclusions of the European Council,
   Having regard to the opinion of the Employment Committee,
   After consulting the Economic and Financial Committee,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 26 March 2010, the European Council agreed to the Commission's proposal to launch a new strategy for jobs and growth, Europe 2020, based on enhanced coordination of economic policies, which will focus on the key areas where action is needed to boost Europe's potential for sustainable growth and competitiveness.

               (2)

               On 13 July 2010, the Council adopted a recommendation on the broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and the Union (2010 to 2014) and, on 21 October 2010, adopted a decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (2), which together form the ‘integrated guidelines’. Member States were invited to take the integrated guidelines into account in their national economic and employment policies.

               (3)

               On 12 January 2011, the Commission adopted the first Annual Growth Survey, marking the start of a new cycle of economic governance in the EU and the first European semester of ex-ante and integrated policy coordination, which is anchored in the Europe 2020 strategy.

               (4)

               On 25 March 2011, the European Council endorsed the priorities for fiscal consolidation and structural reform (in line with the Council's conclusions of 15 February and 7 March 2011 and further to the Commission's Annual Growth Survey). It underscored the need to give priority to restoring sound budgets and fiscal sustainability, reducing unemployment through labour market reforms and making new efforts to enhance growth. It requested Member States to translate these priorities into concrete measures to be included in their stability or convergence programmes and national reform programmes.

               (5)

               On 25 March 2011, the European Council also invited the Member States participating in the Euro Plus Pact to present their commitments in time to be included in their stability or convergence programmes and their national reform programmes.

               (6)

               On 15 April 2011, Bulgaria submitted its 2011 convergence programme update covering the period 2011-2014 and its 2011 national reform programme. In order to take account of the interlinkages, the two programmes have been assessed at the same time.

               (7)

               The economic crisis interrupted a period of strong growth fuelled by substantial foreign direct investment inflows and credit expansion. GDP growth returned in the second quarter of 2010, after falling cumulatively by 7,1 % from peak to trough, resulting in a broadly flat real GDP for 2010 as a whole. A strong upturn in exports and restocking of inventories have been the most important growth drivers. The general government balance moved form a surplus prior to the crisis into a deficit of 4,7 % of GDP in 2009 and 3,2 % of GDP in 2010. While output and employment in export-led industries increased, subdued activity in construction, real estate and retail has constrained the recovery over the past year. Employment bore the brunt of the output correction with a loss of about 358 000 jobs since the peak in 2008. As a result, unemployment increased by several percentage points to 10,2 % in 2010, and employment is not expected to return to its pre-crisis level in the medium term.

               (8)

               Based on the assessment of the updated convergence programme pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1466/97, the Council is of the opinion that the macroeconomic scenario underpinning the fiscal projections is based on more favourable growth projections than those of the Commission services forecast. The updated convergence programme foresees a correction of the excessive general government deficit in 2011 in compliance with the Council Recommendation of 13 July 2010, and further reductions afterwards. After a considerable and frontloaded budgetary adjustment of more than 2 percentage points in structural terms in 2010, the fiscal effort in 2011 is well below the recommended adjustment of at least 0,75 % of GDP but on average, for the whole EDP period, the fiscal effort remains above 1 % of GDP. For the period 2012-2014 the update does not provide sufficient details of the planned budgetary measures to achieve the fiscal targets in these years. The downward revised medium-term objective (MTO) of a structural deficit of 0,6 % of GDP, scheduled for 2014, is still more ambitious than the minimum required level. It reflects the objectives of the Stability and Growth Pact and it is foreseen to be achieved by the end of the convergence programme period (2014). However, the envisaged annual average structural fiscal effort in 2012-2014, after the planned correction of the excessive deficit in 2011, is well below the recommended minimum annual structural improvement of 0,5 % of GDP. In view of the gradually improving economic outlook, the convergence programme should aim for a faster progress towards the achievement of the MTO. When assessed against a prudent estimate of medium-term potential output growth, the projected budgetary expenditure growth in 2012-2013 seems to be on the optimistic side, posing a risk to the structural fiscal position in the medium term.

               (9)

               Correcting the excessive deficit as envisaged by the end of 2011 will help regain confidence and strengthen the credibility of government policies. Over the medium term, achieving the objective of a small structural deficit of 0,6 % of GDP is important to ensure that fiscal policy is supportive to the monetary regime in place. However, fiscal consolidation is hindered by inefficiencies in the public sector which may lead to considerable expenditure pressures, while budget revenues are likely to be structurally lower than in the pre-crisis boom years. Ambitious public finance reforms are thus needed in order to carry out the necessary fiscal adjustment and help secure funding for the implementation of necessary structural reforms, including the co-financing needed for EU-supported projects.

               (10)

               The Bulgarian fiscal performance was positive in the favourable economic environment prior to the crisis. Fiscal targets were consistently met and sizeable fiscal buffers were accumulated. In 2009, under the impact of the economic crisis; for the first time in many years the budget went into deficit, and the rule to keep the budget balanced or in surplus and public expenditure below 40 % of GDP was breached. This was partly related to weaknesses in expenditure planning and control. It further reflected the fact that the revenue windfalls resulting from the buoyant economic activity prior to the crisis had been used to finance relatively large increases in ad-hoc expenditure and cuts in the social security rate. To address these problems, the authorities undertook several initiatives to improve expenditure control and monitoring and reporting systems, including the adoption of a comprehensive legislative package, strengthening the fiscal rules and the medium-term budgetary framework. It is expected to enhance fiscal discipline and the predictability of policies, to reduce macroeconomic volatility and to ensure less a pro-cyclical fiscal policy. According to the Commission's latest assessment, the risks with regard to long-term sustainability of public finances appear to be medium.

               (11)

               The pre-crisis boom years saw a considerable tightening of the labour market and high wage growth, outpacing the increases in productivity. This led to an increase in the average wage level, which thus moved closer to the EU average. Wage growth peaked at an annual rate close to 20 % in the fourth quarter of 2007. Following the downturn, wages have started to decelerate, although wage growth remained relatively high at close to 10 % in 2010 for employees under labour contracts (representing around 65 % of the labour force).

               (12)

               Labour market participation barriers reflect the recent deterioration of the labour market situation during the crisis and the insufficient provision of active labour market policies (ALMP), together with underfunded public employment services. The quality of public services in the areas of activation, job search assistance and retraining is insufficient. The weak capacity to monitor and evaluate programme results requires further strengthening with a view to improving the policy design process. As pointed out by a recent report commissioned by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (‘Main results from the net impact evaluation of public employment services’), more individualised and better-quality services, as well as better infrastructure of labour offices, would support more effectively the unemployed in finding a job.

               (13)

               The economic crisis continues to impact the labour market. The unemployment rate increased from 5,4 % in 2008 to 10,2 % in 2010, while for young persons (aged 15-24) it reached 23,2 % in 2010. The crisis particularly hit low-skilled workers (including a large part of the Roma minority), who represent almost 70 % of the unemployed. The share of long-term unemployment (46 % in 2010) is higher than the EU average (2010: 40 %), and there may be a risk of it becoming structural. The youth activity rate has consistently stayed at less than two thirds of the EU average (2009: 29,5 %; EU: 43,8 %). The youth employment rate was 24,8 % in 2009 (EU: 35,2 %). Bulgaria also has the highest share of young people who are neither in education nor employment (19,5 % of persons aged 15-24). One of the main barriers to youth participation in the labour market is the shortage of opportunities to combine education and work, in particular through internships and apprenticeships in their field of study, which facilitate transition to the labour market.

               (14)

               Despite an above average educational attainment, Bulgaria has over 40 % of low achievers in literacy and numeracy. This shows there is scope for improvements in the education system to better align it to labour market needs. Building on the positive results of the recent school decentralisation reform, the upcoming Law on Pre-School and School Education is expected to provide some solutions which can be further strengthened, i.e. with respect to financial autonomy, pre-school participation rates and external evaluation, as well as ensuring accountability. The early school leaving rate (14,7 % in 2009) is close to the EU average, but is particularly high among the Roma (where it was estimated at 43 % in 2008). Tertiary attainment rates (27,9 % in 2009) remain below the EU average (32,2 %). Bulgaria has significantly delayed its higher education reform. The new Higher Education Law, already tabled in 2010 but subsequently withdrawn, should provide a useful step to address reform needs.

               (15)

               The pension reform decided in 2010 is not linked to life expectancy or to the situation of the health and long-term care system. The implementation period is from 2011 to 2026, with most of the measures taking effect in the second half of the period which could put both the implementation and the sustainability of the first pillar of the pension system at risk.

               (16)

               Bulgarian citizens experience a greater degree of poverty in comparison to the EU average (41,9 % of the population experiences severe material deprivation as compared to 8,1 % for EU). Around 66 % of the elderly are at risk of poverty, which is considerably higher than the EU average. There are signs of deteriorating living conditions in the last couple of years. Given the demographic situation, achieving the national reform programme targets for poverty reduction depends to a large extent on the proper design of policies for older workers and disadvantaged people, as well as on the adequacy of social transfers. The national reform programme announces the development of an operational strategy for Roma integration (estimated at 10 % of the population (3)), to address the multiple barriers faced in the domains of employment, education, health and housing in a single comprehensive plan.

               (17)

               The low efficiency of public services remains an obstacle to growth. Despite recent streamlining, the public administration reform has not dealt with upgrading the quality of staff or key functions. Bulgaria has a very low fixed broadband penetration — at 14,9 % it has the second-lowest figure of the EU, which also limits uptake of all electronically delivered services.

               (18)

               The public procurement irregularity rate reaches 60 % of all procedures verified and is even higher for large public infrastructure projects, where the authorities have an obligation of ex-ante control. The capacity of the Public Financial Inspection Agency has been reduced substantially in 2006 and as a result, the agency performed ex-post controls in only 12 % of all public procurement procedures in 2007-2009. Recent amendments of the Law on Public Procurement and the Law on Public Financial Inspection were approved by the Council of Ministers and forwarded into parliamentary procedure.

               (19)

               The energy intensity of the Bulgarian economy is one of the highest in the EU. A salient example is household heating, with poorly maintained multi-apartment buildings accounting for the bulk of the problem. Recent changes in the eligibility rules create the possibility of using EU Structural Funds to support energy efficiency investments. Few investments have been made, whilst revenues from energy and transport taxes have fallen relative to GDP and also relative to taxes on labour, which are well above the EU average. Access to the energy market is hampered by reduced competition and opaque price setting mechanisms.

               (20)

               Bulgaria has made a number of commitments under the Euro Plus Pact. On the fiscal side, the commitments indicate that the sustainability of public finances will be underpinned by pension reform measures, action to ensure performance-based pay in the public sector by freezing pensions and wages until 2013 and strengthening of the domestic fiscal framework through the adoption of a Financial Stability Pact, which includes binding numerical fiscal rules. To foster employment, measures will be taken to reduce the share of undeclared employment and increase labour participation. Competitiveness measures focus on reducing administrative burdens and increasing e-governance; improving access to education and enhancing the performance of the education system. The above commitments refer to three out of the four areas of the Pact, leaving out the financial sector. They represent a continuity of the broader reform agenda outlined in the convergence and national reform programmes, and step up ongoing reform projects in the areas of fiscal governance, public administration and education. The Euro Plus Pact commitments have been assessed and taken into account in the recommendations.

               (21)

               The Commission has assessed the convergence programme and national reform programme, and the Euro Plus Pact commitments. It has taken into account not only their relevance for sustainable fiscal and socio-economic policy in Bulgaria but also their compliance with EU rules and guidance, given the need to reinforce the overall economic governance of the EU by providing EU-level input into future national decisions. It considers that after a considerable and frontloaded budgetary adjustment in 2010, fiscal consolidation plans for 2011 should be implemented as envisaged and the deficit should be brought below the 3 % reference value in line with the Council Recommendation of 13 July 2010. The update does not provide sufficient details for planned budgetary measures to achieve the fiscal targets in 2012-2014 and a faster progress towards the selected MTO could have been ensured. Strengthening of the domestic fiscal framework will anchor fiscal discipline and provide for predictability and credibility of government policy in the medium term. Further steps should also be taken to strengthen competitiveness, to help people into jobs, to protect the most vulnerable groups facing multiple barriers, to enhance the capacity of public administration and regulators, to increase resource efficiency as well as to open up more opportunities for investment and growth.

               (22)

               In light of this assessment, also taking into account the Council Recommendation under Article 126(7) Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union of 13 July 2010, the Council has examined the 2011 update of the convergence programme of Bulgaria and its opinion (4) is reflected in particular in its recommendations (1) and (2) below. Taking into account the European Council conclusions of 25 March 2011, the Council has examined the national reform programme of Bulgaria,

         HEREBY RECOMMENDS that Bulgaria take action within the period 2011-2012 to:

               1.

               Proceed with effective budget implementation so as to correct the excessive deficit in 2011, in line with the Council Recommendation of 13 July 2010 under the EDP. Specify the measures underpinning the budgetary strategy for 2012-2014. Take advantage of the economic recovery to ensure adequate progress towards the medium-term objective, primarily by keeping tight control over expenditure growth, while prioritising growth-enhancing expenditure.

               2.

               Take further steps to improve the predictability of budgetary planning and the implementation control, including on an accruals basis, in particular by strengthening fiscal governance. To this end, design and put in place binding fiscal rules and a well-defined medium-term budgetary framework that ensures transparency at all government levels.

               3.

               Implement the agreed steps with social partners under the current pension reform, advance some of its key measures that would help to increase the effective retirement age and reduce early exit, such as through the gradual increase of the social insurance length of service, and strengthen policies to help older workers to stay longer in employment.

               4.

               Promote, in consultation with the social partners and in accordance with national practices, policies to ensure that wage growth better reflects developments in productivity and sustain competitiveness while paying attention to on-going convergence.

               5.

               Take steps to address the challenge of combating poverty and promoting social inclusion, especially for vulnerable groups facing multiple barriers. Take measures for modernising public employment services to enhance their capacity to match skills profiles with labour market demand; and focusing support on young people with low skills. Advance the educational reform by adopting a Law on Pre-School and School Education and a new Higher Education Act by mid 2012.

               6.

               Step up efforts to enhance administrative capacity in key government functions and regulatory authorities, in order to make public services more effective in responding to the needs of citizens and businesses; introduce and implement effectively measures to check public procurement on the basis of risk assessments, strengthen the capacity of the authorities to prevent and sanction irregularities, in order to improve quality and value-for-money in the use of public funds.

               7.

               Abolish barriers to entry, guaranteed profits arrangements and price controls and ensure full independence of the Bulgarian Energy Regulator, in order to open up the electricity and gas markets to greater competition. Introduce incentives to upgrade the energy efficiency of buildings.

      Done at Brussels, 12 July 2011.

            For the Council

            The President

         J. VINCENT-ROSTOWSKI

      (1)  OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 1.

      (2)  Maintained for 2011 by Council Decision 2011/308/EU of 19 May 2011 on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (OJ L 138, 26.5.2011, p. 56).

      (3)  According to the Council of Europe estimates.

      (4)  Foreseen in Article 9(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1466/97.


title: Council Recommendation of 12 July 2016 on the 2016 National Reform Programme of Estonia and delivering a Council opinion on the 2016 Stability Programme of Estonia

text:
               18.8.2016

               EN

               Official Journal of the European Union

               C 299/45

         COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION
   of 12 July 2016
   on the 2016 National Reform Programme of Estonia and delivering a Council opinion on the 2016 Stability Programme of Estonia
   (2016/C 299/11)
   THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
   Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 121(2) and 148(4) thereof,
   Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97 of 7 July 1997 on the strengthening of the surveillance of budgetary positions and the surveillance and coordination of economic policies (1), and in particular Article 5(2) thereof,
   Having regard to the recommendation of the European Commission,
   Having regard to the resolutions of the European Parliament,
   Having regard to the conclusions of the European Council,
   Having regard to the opinion of the Employment Committee,
   Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Financial Committee,
   Having regard to the opinion of the Social Protection Committee,
   Having regard to the opinion of the Economic Policy Committee,
   Whereas:

               (1)

               On 26 November 2015, the Commission adopted the Annual Growth Survey, marking the start of the 2016 European Semester for economic policy coordination. The priorities of the Annual Growth Survey were endorsed by the European Council on 17-18 March 2016. On 26 November 2015, on the basis of Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2), the Commission adopted the Alert Mechanism Report, in which it identified Estonia as one of the Member States for which an in-depth review would be carried out. On the same day, the Commission also adopted a recommendation for a Council Recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area. This Recommendation was endorsed by the European Council on 18-19 February 2016 and adopted by the Council on 8 March 2016 (3). As a country whose currency is the euro and in view of the close interlinkages between the economies in the economic and monetary union, Estonia should ensure the full and timely implementation of the Recommendation.

               (2)

               The 2016 country report for Estonia was published on 26 February 2016. It assessed Estonia's progress in addressing the country-specific recommendations adopted by the Council on 14 July 2015 and Estonia's progress towards its national Europe 2020 targets. It also included the in-depth review under Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011. On 8 March 2016, the Commission presented the results of the in-depth review. The Commission's analysis leads it to conclude that Estonia is not experiencing macroeconomic imbalances.

               (3)

               On 28 April 2016, Estonia submitted its 2016 Stability Programme and on 10 March 2016 it submitted its 2016 National Reform Programme. In order to take account of their interlinkages, the two programmes have been assessed at the same time.

               (4)

               Relevant country-specific recommendations have been addressed in the programming of the European Structural and Investment Funds for the 2014-2020 period. As foreseen in Article 23 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4), where it is necessary to support the implementation of relevant Council recommendations, the Commission may request a Member State to review and propose amendments to its Partnership Agreement and relevant programmes. The Commission has provided further details on how it would make use of this provision in guidelines on the application of the measures linking effectiveness of the European Structural and Investment Funds to sound economic governance.

               (5)

            Estonia is currently in the preventive arm of the Stability and Growth Pact. In its 2016 Stability Programme, the Government plans a headline deficit at around 0,5 % of GDP over 2016-2018, turning to balance thereafter. In structural terms, Estonia continues to meet the medium-term budgetary objective — a structural balance — throughout the programme period. According to the Stability Programme, the government debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to stay at around 10 % of GDP in 2017 and to decrease to about 9
                   % of GDP in 2020. The macroeconomic scenario underpinning these budgetary projections is plausible for 2016 but optimistic for 2017. Based on the Commission 2016 spring forecast, the structural balance is forecast to move from a surplus of 0,6 % of GDP in 2015 to a budget balance in 2016 and to a small deficit of 0,2 % of GDP in 2017, which can be considered as close to the medium-term budgetary objective. Further deviations would be assessed against the requirement to maintain the structural balance at the medium-term budgetary objective. Based on its assessment of the Stability Programme and taking into account the Commission 2016 spring forecast, the Council is of the opinion that Estonia is expected to comply with the provisions of the Stability and Growth Pact.

               (6)

               Estonia has taken important steps to improve labour market participation, including by implementing the Work Ability reform. This reform, which entered into force in January 2016 and will be fully implemented from January 2017, will increase overall labour supply. It will be a challenge to help reintegrate those who have been out of the labour market for a long time. New active labour market measures are being put in place to help the beneficiaries of the Work Ability reform to enter and stay in the labour market and changes have also been made in the financial support scheme.

               (7)

               Estonia has taken action to improve work incentives by reducing the tax burden on labour for all income groups, including low-income earners. This may have contributed to Estonia having a lower unemployment rate and a higher employment rate for low-skilled workers than the EU average. Among the measures already adopted, an additional tax refund is planned as of 2017 for low income earners. However, this leads to high effective marginal tax rates, which risks creating a low wage trap and encouraging the payment of envelope wages. The impact of these measures will only be known after they have been evaluated.

               (8)

               Implementation of the Lifelong Learning Strategy 2020, together with the Vocational Education and Training programme for 2015-2018, helped increase participation in vocational education and training, and its labour market relevance. The proportion of vocational education and training students in apprenticeships is expected to increase but the drop out rates in vocational education and training remain a matter for concern.

               (9)

               There are still some shortages in early childhood education and care places for 0-3 year-olds, but the situation is improving, with additional places created each year.

               (10)

               Estonia has the highest gender pay gap in the Union, at 28,3 % in 2014. This creates a risk of not making full use of the potential of women. The gender pay gap is attributed, among other factors, to occupational and sectoral gender segregation in the labour market, the lack of transparency of wages in the private sector and the longer career breaks for women due to care responsibilities. The Government has announced a series of measures to address the gender pay gap. The planned measures are still to be adopted and implemented, inter alia, improving data collection, giving labour inspectorates the task of monitoring how employers apply the principle of equal pay, promoting wage transparency, providing fathers with incentives to take up part of the parental leave and increasing access to childcare facilities. The Welfare Plan 2016-2023 includes gender equality objectives, with measures to tackle gender segregation in the labour market and fight stereotypes. Measures are planned to ease the care burden in families and to bring carers into the labour market, with expected positive effects on women's labour market participation.

               (11)

               In Estonia, access to public services is not guaranteed in all municipalities and the local provision of quality services in areas such as transport, education, long-term care for the elderly and other social services at local level remains a challenge. In March 2016, the Government submitted the draft Administrative Reform Act to the parliament to pave the way for a local government reform. The reform foresees both voluntary and government-initiated mergers, with a view to offering accessible and quality services and to ensure more efficient and competent governance. The amended Social Welfare Act sets minimum requirements for nine social services but its implementation is at risk due to the weaknesses in service provision by municipalities. The proposed local government reform has not yet been adopted.

               (12)

               Estonia has one of the highest ratios of investment to GDP for both the private and the public sectors. However, some challenges remain for the country to improve the investment environment further. Estonia took action to implement the ‘Knowledge-based Estonia’ research, development and innovation strategy and the Entrepreneurship Growth Strategy, which together comprise its framework for smart specialisation. Ensuring good synergies between these strategies can help to stimulate private research, development and innovation investment, especially since business research and technology investment decreased to 0,6 % of GDP in 2014 and Estonia is unlikely to reach its 3 %-of-GDP research, development and innovation target in 2020. The number of companies cooperating with research institutions is limited, resulting in a low level of patent applications. Meanwhile, in recent years, the overall structure of Estonia's export of manufactured goods seems to have shifted towards lower-value goods. Labour and skills shortages may constitute a barrier to greater investment in high technology sectors.

               (13)

               In the context of the European Semester, the Commission has carried out a comprehensive analysis of Estonia's economic policy and published it in the 2016 country report. It has also assessed the Stability Programme and the National Reform Programme and the follow-up given to the recommendations addressed to Estonia in previous years. It has taken into account not only their relevance for sustainable fiscal and socioeconomic policy in Estonia but also their compliance with EU rules and guidance, given the need to strengthen the EU's overall economic governance by providing EU-level input into future national decisions. The recommendations under the European Semester are reflected in recommendations (1) and (2) below.

               (14)

               In the light of this assessment, the Council has examined the Stability Programme, and is of the opinion that Estonia is expected to comply with the Stability and Growth Pact.

         HEREBY RECOMMENDS that Estonia take action in 2016 and 2017 to:

               1.

               Ensure the provision and accessibility of high-quality public services, especially social services, at local level, inter alia, by adopting and implementing the proposed local government reform. Adopt and implement measures to narrow the gender pay gap, including those foreseen in the Welfare Plan.

               2.

               Promote private investment in research, development and innovation, including by strengthening cooperation between academia and businesses.

      Done at Brussels, 12 July 2016.

            For the Council

            The President

         P. KAŽIMÍR

      (1)  OJ L 209, 2.8.1997, p. 1.

      (2)  Regulation (EU) No 1176/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 November 2011 on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances (OJ L 306, 23.11.2011, p. 25).

      (3)  OJ C 96, 11.3.2016, p. 1.

      (4)  Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 320).


66/464/EEC: Commission Recommendation of 7 July 1966 addressed to Member States and concerning medical control of workers exposed to particular risks