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Item 3 is the latest “Brussels Bulletin”, which members have in their papers. Are there any comments, questions or clarifications? Members will see that the bulletin is getting lighter and lighter, as Brussels is currently winding down in the run-up to elections.
My attention was drawn to the item on seasonal workers on page 5 of the bulletin, which is relevant to our discussion with Dr Zuleeg. Members will see from the comments in the item that the UK will not be bound by that measure, which would protect the rights of seasonal workers in the United Kingdom with regard to issues such as the minimum wage, pay, dismissal, working hours, holidays and health. That is yet another example of the UK cherry picking and refusing to comply with the broad wishes of the European Union. That is a worry, particularly for seasonal workers, who are among the poorest and most vulnerable people in the EU.
Given that the measure is part of the existing settlement, it might be one of the opt-outs that the Scottish Government may want to discuss.
Every time we get such a document, it is just an endless catalogue of the various exclusions that the UK wants to apply. I have no idea what the Labour Party’s view on the matter is, but the UK has again exempted itself from a measure that I would have thought would get broad support.
As has Ireland.
I note with interest that there will be a new European Commission President from 1 November 2014, but it seems that not much will be happening until the European Parliament elections are under way and then over. Those elections, and the resulting balance of various parties across the European Union, might well influence the type of President that we get. That will be relevant to the discussions that we have had this morning.
Thinking back to our previous discussions on the committee’s work programme, I think that Roderick Campbell suggested that we look at the free movement of workers at a later date.
Yes.
I was interested to read the item on high-technology employment, which notes that although there has been a large rise in the level of high-technology employment in the EU, there is a different trend in the UK—towards low-technology employment. The item does not appear to give any reasons for that. Is there any way we could find out?
We can ask Scotland Europa whether it has a more detailed analysis.
On the back of the committee’s earlier discussion about tuition fees, I was interested to see the item called “Skills mismatches” in the bulletin, which states that,
“A ... study ... by the World Economic Forum, incorporating contributions from the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training ... has addressed the issue of skills mismatches and shortages in the EU.”
The issue of securing the type of skilled workforce that is required for the economy in each member state will be of continuing interest and prominence, and the study is quite interesting.
There are no other comments, so do members agree to bring the bulletin to the attention of other committees?
Members indicated agreement.
Thank you.
11:22 Meeting continued in private until 11:40.