Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Commerce Plenary Meeting

EuroCommerce and UniEuropa Lead Discussions on Commerce Sector Challenges and Skills Enhancement

In a pivotal gathering in Brussels, the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Commerce Plenary Meeting, orchestrated by EuroCommerce and UniEuropa, brought together industry leaders to address the evolving challenges and opportunities within the commerce sector. Salvatore Nigro, CEO of JA Europe, and Diana Filip, Deputy CEO of JA Europe, represented the Skills4Retail Consortium at this influential event.

The meeting focused on significant themes including the digital and green transitions of the commerce sector, both identified as vital areas for development in the SSDC’s Work Programme for 2024-2025. As businesses and economies face transformative shifts, the need for an upskilled workforce is more pressing than ever. The Skills4Retail Consortium’s engagement highlights its dedication to the European Commission’s Pact for Skills, aiming to enhance skill sets across Europe to meet these new demands.

The consortium is currently spearheading the Occupational Profiles & Needs Analysis, a foundational step towards establishing the European Retail Skills Strategy. This strategy aims to set new standards for industry and educational excellence in retail, aligning with the goals discussed at the meeting, such as capacity building and embracing digital innovations.

Furthermore, the meeting underlined the necessity of joint efforts in tackling challenges like health and safety in the workplace and the broader implications of EU policies on retail competitiveness and employment. Discussions also covered potential EU-funded projects that could support these transitions, indicating a proactive approach to funding and resource allocation.

Focus on reskilling and upskilling initiatives

The ongoing commitment of the Skills4Retail Consortium and its partners to the Large-scale Skills Partnership on Retail ensures continued focus on reskilling and upskilling initiatives. These efforts are crucial as the sector prepares to not only adapt to technological and environmental changes but also to lead in these areas through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.

As the commerce sector stands at the crossroads of digital and green transformation, the insights and strategies shared during the SSDC Plenary Meeting will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping a resilient and future-ready retail landscape. Follow Skills4Retail on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with consortium news.