Eurofound

In its latest World economic outlook (April 2016), the IMF has again lowered global growth forecasts for the coming year. Two factors cited for this more downbeat assessment are weak growth in developing economies, notably China, and ‘political discord’ in other major economies.

This issue contains articles on: Findings in figures; Preventing trafficking of labour in Europe; Looking ahead to the next four-year programme; News in brief; and Latest from EurWORK.

This issue contains articles on: Findings in figures; Eurofound marks International Women's Day; Constancy versus change: Working time in the EU; News in brief; and Latest from EurWORK.

This issue contains articles on: Findings in figures; Network of EU Agencies: a year in review; European Semester and the social partners; News in brief; and Latest from EurWORK.

More than one in 10 employees in the EU are employed on temporary contracts, but a majority of them would prefer a permanent contract. Temporary contracts help employers to manage their labour demand, but there are downsides for employees, such as job insecurity and lower pay.

This issue contains articles on: Findings in figures; Making a fresh start in 2016; Exploring the job-creation potential of SMEs; News in brief; and Latest from EurWORK.

In the last quarter of 2015, better economic data in the EU was overshadowed by increasing anxiety about the potential impact of declining growth and rising instability in developing economies. Aggregate unemployment rates in the Union are in their first sustained downward path since the global financial crisis began: in the EU28, unemployment stands at 9.2%; in the euro zone, at 10.5%.

Sector Futures provides specialised reports based on the monitoring of existing foresight studies, scenario work, innovation studies and reliable data sources. The second feature in the Sector Futures series on the textiles and leather sector explores in greater depth the driving forces likely to shape future developments in the industry. It discusses whether the textiles and clothing industry is 'a dying industry - or not?' in Europe. The third and last article in the series then looks at policy responses currently being pursued at EU level, in order to address the challenges facing the sector over the coming decade.

/Against a background of severe economic and social problems during Poland’s transition to the market economy, a group of company managers from British Petroleum Polska, Sheraton, ABB and Commercial Union formed the Autokreacja Association in 2002. The association aims to promote and support responsible business practices that benefit both businesses and society, while helping to achieve social, economic and environmentally sustainable development. As part of this aim, it offers intensive training programmes to disadvantaged, unemployed young people to improve their chances of finding work./

The year 2016 marks the fourth and final year of implementation of Eurofound’s four-year work programme 2013–2016, From crisis to recovery: Better informed policies for a competitive and fair Europe. The multiannual strategy laid down in the four-year programme provides Eurofound with a clear framework for the development of its annual programmes.