European Working Conditions Observatory (EWCO)
03 February 2012:
Immigration and accidents at work
(Portugal / Information update)
An analysis of fatal and non-fatal accidents at work in recent years, broken down by nationality, suggests that immigrant workers are more vulnerable to workplace accidents than Portuguese workers. The study also suggests that foreigners most settled in Portuguese society, particularly those targeted by a recent integration initiative, are less likely to have workplace accidents, while groups such as Brazilians and Ukrainians, who generally do not stay long, are most at risk.
03 February 2012:
Overtime hours decreasing but still high
(Spain / Information update)
A report published by the General Workers’ Union (UGT) shows that the average number of hours worked each week by employees in Spain in 2008 was 38.5, compared to 38.4 in 2000. The union also says that 45 million hours of overtime were worked in 2010, almost half of which were unpaid. While the total number of extra hours worked has decreased during the last two years, overtime has actually increased in smaller companies, and its widespread use may be blocking the creation of new jobs.
30 January 2012:
Prevalence of temporary contracts among young people
(Poland / Information update)
The report, ‘Youth of 2011’, presents a multidimensional picture of young Poles. It draws attention to the vulnerable labour market situation of those aged 15–34 and particularly those aged 15–24 whose employment prospects have been most affected by the economic crisis. Only Slovenia has a higher percentage of temporary contracts in the EU than Poland in the 15–24 age group. This domination of temporary contracts is causing increasing labour market segmentation.
30 January 2012:
Key factors motivating social workers professionally
(Lithuania / Information update)
A survey in 2009 analysed the key motivational factors for the professional activities of social workers from different types of organisation. The findings revealed that a solid team of fellow workers and good relationships at work are the main professional motivating factors for social workers. Inadequate wages, poor social security, stress at work and lack of opportunities to improve qualifications were identified as the main factors for job dissatisfaction.
30 January 2012:
New index measures shadow economy in Baltic States
(Latvia / Information update)
In 2011 a survey conducted by the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga sought to measure the size of the shadow economy in the Baltic States as a percentage of GDP. Researchers drew up a ‘shadow economy index’ which identifies and measures indicators of informal economic activity such as under-reporting of profits, numbers of employees and salary levels. The intention is to monitor the size and role of the shadow economy in the three countries regularly using the new index.
20 January 2012:
Flexible working more popular than ever
(United Kingdom / Information update)
The CBI/Harvey Nash employment trends survey published in June 2011 reveals an increase in flexible working practices in the UK. While most employers offer one form of flexible working, many offer three or more forms. Teleworking showed the greatest rise in popularity between 2006 and 2011. However, the government proposal to extend the right to request flexible working to all employees rather than just those with caring responsibilities has been met with mixed reactions from employers.
20 January 2012:
Working time and health risks for young people
(Germany / Information update)
A working group set up by the federal and state governments has examined the need for changes to the Young Persons (Protection of Employment) Act. No major amendments are recommended, although the group suggests permitting Saturday work. The recommendations were based on findings from research into working time and the health risks of long working hours in the hotel and restaurant (Horeca) sector. The findings revealed problems with complying with the law’s provisions in the latter sector.
20 January 2012:
Job situation of university graduates
(Austria / Information update)
A survey of graduates of Austrian universities of all types between 2004 and 2008 found that most have a relatively easy entry into the labour market, using traditional job-hunting strategies such as replying to adverts or making unsolicited approaches to employers. The favourable employment situation during these years may well have helped. The survey also revealed a link between the type of school attended and the type of university where students enrol.
06 January 2012:
Unions’ role in combating workplace discrimination
(Malta / Information update)
An EU-funded study examined the role of Maltese trade unions in combating discrimination in the workplace on the grounds of race, disability, religion, sexual orientation and age. The study was based mostly on interviews with three of the largest unions about their policies and practices on anti-discrimination and diversity. The unions were aware of equality issues to a certain extent but did not seem to have specific strategies to combat discrimination in general.
06 January 2012:
Fall in uptake of early retirement schemes
(France / Information update)
To encourage the employment of older workers, the public authorities in France have drastically reduced access by employees in the private sector to publicly funded early retirement schemes. The number of beneficiaries of these types of schemes has fallen by a third in the last 10 years. The number of older workers receiving unemployment benefit has seen a corresponding increase. Some large companies are setting up and funding their own early retirement schemes.