Europe for Families, Families for Europe - Conference on Demographic Change

Europe for Families, Families for Europe - Conference on Demographic Change, 28-29 March 2011, Budapest, Hungary

Venue: Hungarian Academy of Sciences

Overview

The opening event of the thematic week Europe for Families, Families for Europe - Population Issues and Policies Awareness Week is the 'The Hungarian Presidency Conference on Demographic Change: The Impact of Reconciliation of Work and Family Life on Demographic Dynamics'. After the plenary speeches of the first day panel discussions will follow on 29 March. The first panel will focus on 'The effect of work-family conciliation on fertility and fatherhood roles in families in Europe.' The second panel will provide participants with the opportunity of sharing ‘Best practices of European family policies and their effect on demographic dynamics.'

Eurofound presentation

International point of view on demographic change and family policy - Robert Anderson, Head of Unit, Living Conditions and Quality of Life

In his presentation, Robert Anderson will emphasise the importance of examining relationships between demographic change in the general population and demographic change in the workforce. Specifically, changes in family structure, migration, increasing numbers of (older) women in the labour force and growing numbers of dependent older adults present a new dynamic in the relationship between working and caring. Today, more than half of carers of working age combine their care responsibilities with some form of employment. Work-life balance is an issue for workers and their families, public authorities and public services - but also for employers and trade unions. Across Europe, some companies are developing measures for workers with care responsibilities for disabled or dependent relatives - this presentation will examine developments and emerging needs for effective support for families.