Labour market participation

The declining number of people active in the labour market makes increased labour force participation one of the primary drivers behind labour market policies. The European Employment Strategy promotes active ageing, gender equality and the integration in the labour market of young people, older workers, people with disabilities, migrants, low-skilled and other vulnerable groups. The employment rate, in other words the proportion of the working age population that is in employment, is considered to be a key social indicator for analytical purposes when studying developments within labour markets.

Young woman standing by job vacancies notice board

Nyt og kommende

Find det nyeste indhold om dette emne nedenfor.

Forskningsrapport

16 October 2025

Social cohesion and inclusive participation in a polarised Europe
Michele Consoliniand 3 other authors
This report investigates the dimensions of polarisation in Europe, offering a 20-year perspective based on data from the European Social Survey. It examines trends and national variations in polarisation on various issues, looking at how European values and attitudes have changed over time.
Policy brief

26 November 2024

The EU and G20: A two-decade journey of socioeconomic, digital and green transformation
Verena Woharcikand 3 other authors

The EU’s position within the G20 across various dimensions of socioeconomic development has changed since the turn of the 21st century. This policy brief analyses trends in human development, labour market participation, digital adoption and environmental sustainability among the G20 members to assess the EU’s standing within the group. It also investigates whether G20 members are converging in respect of these dimensions to determine whether the differences between them are narrowing or widening. The findings reveal a mixed picture, with the EU maintaining a high level of human development but experiencing a relative decline in some dimensions vis-à-vis other G20 members. The analysis underscores the importance of addressing these trends and leveraging the opportunities presented by the green and digital transition.

Tilpasset rapport

23 September 2024

Youth integration in the EU: Navigating digitalisation and labour shortages – Background paper
Massimiliano Mascheriniand 2 other authors

Since the early 2000s, the EU has faced persistent challenges in integrating young people into the labour market. The Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted youth employment prospects. This background paper explores youth labour market integration within the framework of the digitalisation and labour shortages. It discusses the implications of the digital revolution, which could potentially provide tools for empowerment for young people or be a source of exclusion for those lacking digital skills. It also addresses the impact of labour shortages on youth employment opportunities.

Eksperter om Labour market participation

Eurofounds forskere leverer ekspertindsigt og kan kontaktes med spørgsmål eller mediehenvendelser.

Carlos Vacas‑Soriano

Senior research manager
Employment research

Carlos Vacas Soriano er seniorforskningsleder i Eurofounds beskæftigelsesenhed. Han arbejder med emner relateret til løn- og indkomstuligheder, mindsteløn, lav løn, jobkvalitet, midlertidig ansættelse og segmentering samt jobkvalitet. Før han kom til Eurofound i 2010, arbejdede han som makroøkonomisk analytiker for Europa-Kommissionen og som forsker i europæiske arbejdsmarkeder i den spanske centralbank. Han har en MA i europæiske økonomiske studier fra College of Europe i Brugge og en ph.d. i arbejdsmarkedsøkonomi fra universitetet i Salamanca (Doctor Europaeus).

John Hurley

Senior research manager
Employment research

John Hurley is a senior research manager in the Employment unit at Eurofound. He took up the role of research manager in February 2012. He contributes to a number of research projects including the European Jobs Monitor and has authored or co-authored over 20 reports as well as journal contributions and edited collections during his time at Eurofound. His main research interests are in the areas of comparative labour market analysis, restructuring and the changing world of work. John is a graduate of both Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin.

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European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions
The tripartite EU agency providing knowledge to assist in the development of better social, employment and work-related policies