Employment and Pain Policy

One of SIP’s four long-term objectives is to help develop policies that address the impact of pain on employment and vice versa.

In June 2021, SIP published its Position Paper on Workplace and Integration and Adaptation. The paper highlights the need for action by European Institutions, national governments, and employers to support a healthy and productive European workforce and society.

The European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan has set a target to reduce the number of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion by at least 15 million by 2030, as well as improving the number of people, aged 20-64, in employment by least 78%. Implementation of the Pillar, as well as the Employment Equality Framework Directive, offers opportunities for people to stay in education, and drive equitable access to employment and non-discrimination at work. Additionally, the 2021 Porto Social Summit (organised under the auspices of the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU), highlighted the need to reduce poverty and social exclusion by enhancing equal opportunities for all.

Following the publication of our paper, SIP organised a virtual event on 28th October 2021, entitled “What can be done to support a healthy and productive European workforce and society?”. The event was co-hosted by MEP Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, Malta) and MEP Radka Maxová (S&D, Czech Republic).

This event built on the SIP Position Paper on Workplace Integration and Adaptation, highlighting the importance of addressing pain management to support a healthy and productive European workforce and society. The aim of this event was to identify gaps in employment policies for people living with disabilities and chronic pain, and to provide recommendations for effective integration and adaptation of the working environment, so these people can remain in, or return to work.