Latest updates
- 25 August 2010 Just published
Developments in industrial action 2005–2009
The average number of working days lost per 1,000 employees due to industrial action fell from 50,5 in 2008 to 24,3 in 2009, according to a new report from Eurofound’s European Industrial Relations Observatory (EIRO) analysing developments in industrial action across the European Union. Pay disputes remain the most common cause of industrial action. - 12 August 2010 Just published
Trends in quality of life in the EU: 2003-2009
The European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS) captures some of the views, attitudes and experiences of adults in Europe on quality of life issues. The full survey was carried out in 2003 and 2007, while around 20 of the same questions were repeated in September 2009, allowing some analysis of changes caused by the recession. The most striking changes between 2007 and 2009 were in satisfaction with life in general and standard of living. Between the last quarter of 2007 and September 2009, the average level of satisfaction with life in general across the EU fell from 7.0 to 6.8, or by about 4%. - 3 August 2010 Just published
Intercultural policies in European cities
European cities have become increasingly diverse in ethnic and religious terms. This creates opportunities for cultural innovativeness and international competitiveness. However, the growing diversity in the local population makes influencing and managing intergroup relations and developing intercultural policies major challenges for cities. This report aims to support the exchange of experience and learning between cities. - 28 July 2010 Press release
Widespread use of short-time work reduces gap between agreed and actual working time in the EU
Across the 27 EU Member States, the average agreed weekly hours rose very slightly from 38.6 in 2008 to 38.7 in 2009, according to the annual report on working time developments and trends from Eurofound’s European Industrial Relations Observatory (EIRO). While agreed working time remains stable, the widespread use of short-time work in 2009 has caused a downward tendency in actual working hours. - 26 July 2010 Press release
Two jobs lost for every one created in Europe
Global economic growth is picking up but Europe is trailing behind the other major advanced economic areas (Asia, US) in terms of the strength of its recovery, according to the latest quarterly report from Eurofound’s European Restructuring Monitor (ERM). 
20 July 2010 News
The European Commission appointed Juan Menéndez-Valdés Alvarez to the post of Eurofound Director, with effect from 1 December 2010. He is currently responsible for education and training, employment and migration issues at the Spanish Confederation of Employers’ Organisations. Since 1999, he has been a member of the Governing Board of Cedefop, Eurofound’s sister agency dealing with vocational training, serving as Chair from 2007 to 2009.- 1 July 2010 Just published
Eurofound publishes its new Yearbook
The Yearbook sets out to distil Eurofound’s key findings during 2009. A glance through the report reveals that the impact of the recession dominated Eurofound research across its various areas of expertise this year.
