“Europe’s social model is one of our greatest strengths, but to secure quality jobs we must reinforce the competitiveness and productivity of the SMEs that support it.
We will work with the Commission to ensure this point is well taken on board” stated SMEunited President Petri Salminen, reacting to the publication of the Quality Jobs Roadmap and the first phase consultation of the social partners on the future Quality Jobs Act.
The Quality Jobs Roadmap comes at a time when Europe’s labour markets are transforming under the pressure of digitalisation, the green transition, demographic shifts, and persistent labour shortages. SMEunited stresses that discussions on improving job quality must reflect the link between employment standards, competitiveness, and productivity, while recognising the efforts SMEs already make.
“With 26.13 million SMEs providing 65% of employment and 54% of added value in the EU, the success of Europe’s future labour policies depends on ensuring that SMEs can operate in stable regulatory environments with reduced administrative burdens, simplified procedures, and targeted support in areas such as finance, digital infrastructure, and advisory services” President Salminen continued.
SMEunited reiterates its call to policymakers to put the Think Small First principle into practice, in particular in the implementation of the Roadmap. SMEunited will thoroughly apply this principle in the reply to the first-phase consultation on the announced Quality Jobs Act. This means designing initiatives from the outset with the reality of micro and small enterprises in mind, assessing the direct and indirect impacts on SMEs throughout the whole process, and including SME friendly provisions such as the once only principle, longer transition periods, and an “advise first – sanction later” approach.
By applying these provisions, Europe can ensure that rules are proportionate, practical, and compatible with business reality, enabling companies to grow and continue contributing quality employment across the Union.
