Speaking at Tripartite Social Summit last week, EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren highlighted the fact that, “Over 29 million Europeans work in retail and wholesale, that’s one in every seven working Europeans.” However, despite being one of Europe’s biggest job providers, the sector faces challenges. For the sector to contribute to Europe’s economic recovery, we need three actions : making investments in digital infrastructure and skills, deepening and progressing the single market, and advancing further reforms of labour markets.

 Investing in skills
Retail and wholesale can provide job opportunities to those with limited qualifications who often find it difficult to find employment. Mr Verschueren stressed, “We need to be able to continue to invest both in the young people of today who are struggling to find jobs, as well as the older generations. We support the focus the Commission puts on mobilising funds for skills but these funding possibilities should be made easier, with less red tape for funding requests, so we can equip people with the right skills.”

Keeping up with the digital age
The digital age is creating new job opportunities, but these require new skills. So there is a greater need for investment in digital skills. Retail and wholesale companies are doing their share. Investments are needed as well in infrastructure (transport and digital networks). Thirdly, completion and deepening of the digital single market remains a priority. Finally, bringing legislative requirements and best practices close to retail and wholesale operators on the ground. “We have asked for a single, online, one-stop portal that would provide user-friendly information on legislative requirements in every Member State, as well as best practices,” explained Mr Verschueren, adding, “This could help traditional retailers and wholesalers to establish cross-borders or reinvent themselves in the digital age.”

Reforming the labour market
Employment conditions in some Member States still prevent businesses from hiring for growth. “Member States must invest in labour market reform or risk losing the progress made on strengthening the economy and improving employment prospects,” argued Mr Verschueren.