Following the initial meeting of the Transnational Partnership (TP) in Dublin on 21 – 22nd March 2005 the partners have formed a common strategy to address a number of specific common interests within the overall theme of employability and facilitating access/ return to the labour market. The Partnership will especially focus on those most disadvantaged and removed from the labour market, including entry-level positions and care provision services within the Health Sector.

     Whilst there are significant employment opportunities in this sector there are problems with the recruitment and retention of employees for entry-level jobs. The sector is also poorly regarded in terms of career development and progression and with the caring services in particular, there is a significant level of ‘informal’ employment, which results in unsatisfactory situations for both those who need care as well as those providing care.