Outcomes of Informal Council for Employment Ministers: 7 - 8 July 2005, Belfast

The Employment, Social Protection, Health and Consumer Affairs Council met in Belfast on 7-8 July. The focus of the Informal was on what practical steps could help older workers, young people and the economically inactive and hard to reach back in to work. Ministers had the opportunity to visit community projects in Belfast that have been successful in helping disadvantaged people back in to work. These project visits formed the basis for discussion on what works and what practical steps were needed to raise employment levels and increase social inclusion.