Maxim Topilin: BRICS ministers will discuss labour market issues

Russian Minister of Labour and Social Protection Maxim Topilin mentioned three main issues the upcoming Ufa meeting of BRICS labour and employment ministers will focus on: high-quality employment accessible to all, meaning that professional qualifications should be appropriate for the labour market's demand; ways to facilitate a job search; and labour mobility. In addition, according to the minister, the participants will also discuss labour market formalisation (quality and availability of jobs) and employment information exchange between BRICS countries.

"Following the meeting, we will adopt the Declaration of the BRICS Ministers of Labour and Employment, which will reflect policies to expand employment, enhance social protection and decent working conditions, which in turn will provide income growth, reduce social tension, and foster economic growth in the BRICS," Maxim Topilin said.

The Russian delegation, led by the Labour and Social Protection Minister, will also include Chairman of the Russian Pension Fund Anton Drozdov, Chairman of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia Mikhail Shmakov, and President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Alexander Shokhin.

The event will also be attended by Director General of the International Labour Organisation Guy Ryder, Secretary General of the International Social Security Association Hans-Horst Konkolewsky and Vice President for Global Practice Cross-Cutting at World Bank Group Keith Hansen.