The days of employees turning down employment in Europe due to relationship, marriage, and family concerns are seemingly over, with several European Union (EU) employment policies now favoring dual careers. These policies aim to facilitate the employment of mobile employees across the European Union. Read on to find out an insightful overview of how new EU employment policies support dual careers.
What is Dual Career?
A dual career describes a situation where two individuals in a committed relationship or marriage pursue their individual careers simultaneously without putting the relationship on the line. The term dual career is often used in the context of mobile employees whose partners also seek employment opportunities in the new location.
Therefore, certain EU policies are now designed to help couples or partners who want to advance their individual careers while maintaining a harmonious family and personal life.
How Does the EU Employment Policies Support Dual Career?
Below are some notable EU measures that facilitate dual careers, especially for mobile employees across the European Union.
- EU’s Policy on Equal Treatment
Several EU policies, such as Directive 2000/78/EC, ensure that there are no discriminations in offering employment opportunities for every individual moving to Europe. The directive emphasizes equal treatment in employment and occupational procedures and prohibits discrimination based on various grounds, including nationality.
- Social Security Coordination
Certain EU policies, particularly the Regulations (EC) No 883/2004 and (EC) No 987/2009, ensure that the social security systems across the EU member states also cover mobile employees and their family members. These policies provide safe nets and social security for individuals who are interested in pursuing dual careers.
- Free Movement of Employees
Employment policies in the EU allow accessible transit or movement across EU member states to facilitate dual careers. This affords individuals the opportunity to seek employment in different EU countries without facing the challenge of mobility across the borders of European member states.
- Creation of the European Job Mobility Portal (EURES):
EURES is an innovative network designed for employment services in the EU to facilitate and improve job mobility. This portal basically provides information and professional advice about job placement services to workers for employers interested in cross-border employment. It also contains vital information that can help partners of mobile employees who are seeking employment opportunities in different EU countries.
- Gender Equality Policies in the EU
The EU has stern policies that ensure gender equality across all EU member states. Directives such as Directive 2000/78/EC, specifically against discrimination at work based on religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation. Similarly, the Directive 2006/54/EC ensures equal treatment for all genders in employment and occupation, including social security schemes. These directives and other policies make it easy to seek dual career opportunities across EU member states.
Conclusion
The European Union has several active policies and directives that promote mobility and seamless employment to support dual careers. These initiatives not only promote a diversified society but also facilitate economic integration and provide a valuable destination for individuals seeking advancement in their careers.
