This chapter presents policy proposals to improve the working conditions of care workers in Europe; based on research from the Care4Care project conducted in six EU Member States. It identifies key challenges in the sector—including labour shortages; low wages; and precarious employment—and highlights the roles of gender and migration in shaping care work. The chapter proposes measures at national and EU level aimed at strengthening labour standards; professional recognition; and the sustainability of care systems.
European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder), Germany - ORCID: 0000-0002-0056-5306
Chapter Title
Decent Work in the Care Sector: Policy Gaps and Ways Forward. The CARE4CARE Policy paper
Authors
Eva Kocher
Language
English
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-1029-4.18
Peer Reviewed
Publication Year
2026
Copyright Information
© 2026 Author(s)
Content License
Metadata License
Book Title
CARE4CARE - We Care for Those Who Care - Vol. III
Book Subtitle
Building Dignified Care Work in Europe: Critical Reflections, Policy Proposals and Practical Tools
Editors
Maria Luisa Vallauri, William Chiaromonte
Peer Reviewed
Number of Pages
408
Publication Year
2026
Copyright Information
© 2026 Author(s)
Content License
Metadata License
Publisher Name
Firenze University Press
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-1029-4
ISBN Print
979-12-215-1028-7
eISBN (pdf)
979-12-215-1029-4
eISBN (epub)
979-12-215-1030-0
Series Title
Studi sul lavoro di cura - Studies on Care Work