Eurofound

Unemployment in the EU continues to fall, however more than one in four of the EU’s working-age population are economically inactive; meaning they are not working, and are not seeking work or are not available for work.

20 October is European Statistics Day, an initiative of the European Statistical Advisory Committee (ESAC) and with the support of the members of the European Statistical System and the European System of Central Banks.

NEETs is a broad category encompassing a heterogeneous population. Disentangling the subgroups within it is essential for a better understanding of their different characteristics and needs, and for tailoring effective policies to reintegrate them into the labour market or education.

Working life in Europe is in a period of transition. Economic growth has picked up, employment continues to grow for the third consecutive year and unemployment rates – while still being above the level of 2007 in the EU28 - are generally in decline. However, Brexit and pay inequality present challenges for the future.

This graph highlights the importance of education, indicating that in all EU countries except Finland, the at-risk-of-poverty rate is highest among people with the lowest level of education.

81% of workers say their working hours fit well, or very well, with their private life obligations. However men continue to have longer working hours (on average 6.5 hours per week more than women) and report more difficulties adapting working time to family life or other commitments.