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30 June 2005
BRUSSELS — The employment ratio in Belgium is improving, but still remains under the European average and is insufficient to combat the effects of the aging population.
The High Council for Employment said on Thursday the employment ratio — the number of workers per 100 people of working age currently employed — was 57 percent in 1997. This had risen to 60.4 percent in 2004.
In its annual report, the council said it expects the ratio will increase to 60.6 percent this year, newspaper ‘De Tijd’ reported on Thursday. A total of 28,000 jobs were created last year.
The average European employment ratio is 63 percent and the Lisbon goal — aimed at combating the aging population — is to achieve a ratio of 70 percent by 2030.
[Copyright Expatica News 2005]
Subject: Belgian news