EPSCO conclusion: invest in child care
EPSCO conclusions: Reconciliation of work and family life as a precondition for equal participation in the labour market
The Conclusions on the Reconciliation of work and family life as a precondition for equal participation in the labour market argue for stepping up or continuing efforts to effectively support the reconciliation of work, family and private life throughout the life course for both women and men. The Council gives special attention to stepping up measures aiming to achieve the 2002 Barcelona childcare targets, by saying that the provision of formal childcare can contribute to several policy aims: allowing parents to work, tapping the employment potential of all members of the workforce, promoting gender equality throughout the life course, investing in early education and care so as to lay the foundation of children's future learning, and combating child and family poverty.