Written declaration, under Rule 136 of Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, on access to employment for those affected by neurological disorders and chronic pain conditions
1. Brain disorders and chronic pain conditions are two of the leading causes of long-term sick leave, and are growing in their impact as Europe’s workforce ages.
2. Best practices for the retention and reintegration of people with chronic conditions are widespread.
3. Integrating people with chronic conditions such as these into employment is socio economically beneficial.
4. The Commission is called upon to use the EU Semester’s country-specific recommendations to encourage Member States to implement cost-effective retention, reintegration and rehabilitation actions.
5. The Commission (DG SANTE, DG EMPL, DG REGIO and DG ECFIN) is called upon to collaborate on consolidating and consistently implementing EU legislation that will ensure equal access to employment for those affected by neurological disorders and chronic pain conditions.
6. The Commission is called upon, in close cooperation with the Member States, to work, together with their social partners, to clarify patients’ rights, highlight successful workplace adjustments and reintegration actions – e.g. flexible working hours – and promote the use of the European Social Fund for such actions.
7. The Commission and Council are called upon to encourage the Member States to acknowledge that accurate early diagnosis and appropriate treatment and management are necessary to enable employees affected by these chronic conditions to enjoy equitable employment opportunities.
8. This declaration, together with the names of the signatories, is forwarded to the Council and the Commission.