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Labour market policies

To improve the functioning of labour markets, policymakers need to address labour market mismatches, labour market segmentation, and design employment policies geared towards the integration of specific groups into the labour market. Active labour market policies (ALMP) are public interventions which are explicitly targeted at groups of persons with difficulties in the labour market. These policies include Public Employment Services or other publicly funded services for jobseekers. Active support to employment is included in the European Pillar of Social Rights.
 

Topic

Eurofound research

Explore Eurofound's regularly updated EU PolicyWatch database of measures introduced by governments and social partners in the EU Member States to alleviate the effects on businesses, workers and citizens of recent crises – COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and rising inflation. It also lists policies to support the digital and green transitions, as well companies that need to restructure. 

Database: EU PolicyWatch

Recent updates

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Spanish presidency 2023: Eurofound's contribution

From July to December 2023, Eurofound supported the work of Spain's presidency of the Council of the EU, providing valuable research results on specific topics linked with the presidency priorities.

Web page

Eurofound expert(s)

John Hurley

John Hurley

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 is responsible for the European...

Senior research manager,
Employment research unit
Publications results (148)
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Gender differences in motivation to engage in platform work

The rise of the platform economy during the last decade is one of the main disrupting forces for European labour markets. While standard employment remains the norm, platforms are expanding their reach and diversifying into novel business models. In doing so, they are also attracting an increasing n

16 May 2023
Publication
Policy brief
New forms of employment
Platform work
Gender equality
Anticipating and managing the impact of change
Digitalisation
Labour market policies
Labour market participation
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Changing labour markets: How to prevent a mismatch between skills and jobs in times of transition - Background paper

On request by the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Eurofound prepared a background paper as a basis for the discussion at the informal Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) meeting on 3-4 May 2023. The paper outlines some of the key challenges

04 May 2023
Publication
Customised report
Skills and training
European Green Deal
Employment and labour markets
Digitalisation
Labour market policies
Just transition

Pasākumi darbaspēka trūkuma novēršanai: Secinājumi turpmākajai politikai

Tā kā ekonomika no Covid-19 pandēmijas sāk atgūties, darbaspēka trūkums kļūst arvien acīmredzamāks, pat neraugoties uz Ukrainas kara ietekmi uz enerģijas un izejvielu cenām. Ietekmējošo faktoru vidū ir darbaspēka trūkums, ko krīze ir saasinājusi dažās nozarēs un profesijās, kurās tas jau kādu laiku

28 March 2023
Publication
Research report
Skills and training
Unemployment
Employment structure
European Green Deal
Nodarbinātība un darba tirgi
COVID-19
Digitālais laikmets: iespējas un izaicinājumi darbam un nodarbinātībai
Labour market policies
Just transition
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ES konverģence: Ģeogrāfiskā dimensija, Covid-19 ietekme un politikas loma

Vēsturiski politiskās debates par ES konverģenci ir kļuvušas aktīvākas pēckrīzes periodā. Pēc Covid-19 pandēmijas šā ziņojuma mērķis ir izvērtēt pēdējo divdesmit gadu konverģences tendences. Pētījuma sākumā ir veikts empīrisks pētījums par ekonomisko, sociālo un institucionālo konverģenci 2004.–2019

22 March 2023
Publication
Research report
Social policies
Sociālās kohēzijas un konverģences veicināšana
COVID-19
Labour market policies
Inequality

EU-ANSA mapping report: Socioeconomic aspects of sustainable development

The European Union Agencies Network on Scientific Advice (EU-ANSA) consists of technical and regulatory agencies that provide scientific advice to EU policymakers. This report demonstrates how EU-ANSA member Agencies are addressing the socioeconomic effects of sustainable development. It is based on

05 January 2022
Publication
Other
Skills and training
Social dialogue
Social policies
Structural change
European Green Deal
Gender equality
Anticipating and managing the impact of change
Labour market policies
Just transition
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Initiatives to improve conditions for platform workers: Aims, methods, strengths and weaknesses

The rapid rise of the platform economy has led to a marked transformation of European labour markets, and existing regulatory frameworks and voluntary initiatives have yet to catch up. While platform work offers opportunities for workers and employers and potentially contributes to innovation

02 December 2021
Publication
Policy brief
New forms of employment
Platform work
Employment relationship
Anticipating and managing the impact of change
Digitalisation
Labour market policies
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Exploring the social challenges of low carbon energy policies in Europe

This briefing is co-produced by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and Eurofound. It is based on the results of two complementary analyses by the EEA and the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) on the socioeconomic effects of climate policies, in

29 October 2021
Publication
Other
Social policies
Structural change
European Green Deal
Anticipating and managing the impact of change
COVID-19
Labour market policies
Just transition
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Nesenie notikumi COVID-19 izolācija un pārmaiņas darba tirgū

Covid-19 pandēmija 2020. gadā slēdza vai ierobežoja daudzas saimnieciskās darbības ar tālejošu ietekmi uz darba tirgu. Nodarbinātības samazināšanās pandēmijas sākumā bija straujāka nekā globālās finanšu krīzes laikā. Vēl vairāk nostrādāto stundu skaits samazinājās valsts atbalstītās darbinieku

19 October 2021
Publication
Research report
Darba laiks
Tāldarbs
Employment structure
Nodarbinātība un darba tirgi
COVID-19
Labour market policies
Just transition
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Darbaspēka trūkuma novēršana ES dalībvalstīs

While unemployment is still a huge challenge in Europe, some countries, sectors and occupations are experiencing labour shortages. This report explores various approaches to identifying labour shortages and maps national policy debates around the issue. It documents public and social partner

20 July 2021
Publication
Research report
Skills and training
Unemployment
Employment structure
European Green Deal
European Pillar of Social Rights
Nodarbinātība un darba tirgi
COVID-19
Labour market policies
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Invaliditāte un integrācija darba tirgū — Politikas tendences un atbalsts ES dalībvalstīs

Šajā ziņojumā izvērtētas tās politikas norises ES dalībvalstīs, kuru mērķis ir atbalstīt personu ar invaliditāti iekļaušanu atvērtajā darba tirgū, īpašu uzmanību pievēršot trim posmiem — nodarbinātības uzsākšana, palikšana darbā un atgriešanās darbā pēc prombūtnes. Tajā ir izpētīti vairāk nekā 150

19 April 2021
Publication
Research report
Social policies
Publiskie pakalpojumi
Working conditions
European Pillar of Social Rights
COVID-19
Disability and chronic disease
Labour market policies
Labour market participation
Dzīves apstākļi un dzīves kvalitāte
Labour and social regulation
Online resources results (199)

Slovenia: Police end a six-month strike following agreement

A six-month strike by police officers was suspended in June. The agreement between the government and police unions gives pay rises to police officers amounting to between 8% and 20% by 2018. However, it has struck a blow to unity of the public sector wage system.

16 Augusts 2016
Article
Pay and income
Labour market policies
Working conditions
Employment and labour markets
Industrial relations
Working conditions and sustainable work
Industrial relations and social dialogue

Italy: Latest working life developments – Q2 2016

Measures to amend and implement the Jobs Act, national-level tripartite and bipartite agreements, and progress in negotiations to renew national collective bargaining agreements covering public employees are the main topics of interest in this article. This country update reports on the latest

9 Augusts 2016
Article
Health and well-being at work
Labour market policies
Collective bargaining
Working conditions
Industrial relations
Working conditions and sustainable work
Industrial relations and social dialogue

Croatia: Latest working life developments – Q2 2016

A vote of no confidence in the government, suspension of active labour market measures and problems with educational reforms are the main topics of interest in this article. This country update reports on the latest developments in working life in Croatia in the second quarter of 2016.

27 Jūlijs 2016
Article
Labour market policies
Collective bargaining
Skills and training
Employment and labour markets
Industrial relations
Social policies
Industrial relations and social dialogue

Sweden: No signs of lowered entry-level wages in 2016 bargaining round

In preparation for the 2016 wage bargaining round, debates on how to reduce unemployment among low-skilled workers and new immigrants dominated the news in Sweden. Suggestions included lowering minimum wages and introducing so-called ‘simple jobs’. However, the debates had little impact on the

15 Jūnijs 2016
Article
Working poor
Labour market policies
Unemployment
Collective bargaining
Working conditions
Employment and labour markets
Industrial relations
Labour and social regulation
Working conditions and sustainable work
Industrial relations and social dialogue

France: Developments in working life – Q1 2016

Government plans to combat high levels of unemployment, controversial revisions to the Labour Code, negotiations about unemployment insurance schemes and the impact of digitalisation on working life are the main topics of interest in this article. This country update reports on the latest

16 Maijs 2016
Article
Non-standard employment
Labour law
Labour market policies
Teleworking
Job quality
Work-life balance
Working time
Social dialogue
Working conditions
Industrial relations
Working conditions and sustainable work
Industrial relations and social dialogue

Sweden: Developments in working life – Q1 2016

An intense bargaining round, proposals to improve protection for whistle-blowers and a continued focus on labour market integration are the main topics of interest in this article. This country update reports on the latest developments in working life in Sweden in the first quarter of 2016.

29 Aprīlis 2016
Article
Labour market policies
Retirement
Psychosocial risks
Collective bargaining
Industrial action
Working conditions
Employment and labour markets
Industrial relations
Labour and social regulation
Working conditions and sustainable work
Industrial relations and social dialogue

Spain: Impact of crisis on labour costs and employment levels in companies

An analysis of the 2014 Survey on Salary Formation, published by the Bank of Spain, examines the views of Spanish companies regarding the economic crisis, how they adjusted labour costs and how labour market reforms introduced from 2010 aimed to increase companies’ flexibility.

26 Aprīlis 2016
Article
Labour market policies
Employment and labour markets

Finland: Immigrant employment – debate and action

Social partners seek to facilitate the integration of immigrants, but trade unions dismiss proposals for reduced salaries for unqualified immigrants.

22 Aprīlis 2016
Article
Labour market policies
Gender equality
Migration and mobility
Pay and income
Working conditions
Employment and labour markets
Working conditions and sustainable work

Spain: Trade unions criticise Employment Activation Plan

Trade unions criticised the ‘Employment Activation Plan’ for imposing strict requirements on potential beneficiaries of the plan, resulting in low uptake.

20 Aprīlis 2016
Article
Labour market policies
Working conditions
Employment and labour markets
Industrial relations
Working conditions and sustainable work
Industrial relations and social dialogue

Sweden: Government scraps contested labour market reforms

Sweden’s coalition government has reversed changes to the welfare system made by the previous centre-right government. It has removed a cut-off point of 2.5 years for claiming sickness benefit and scrapped a scheme for mandatory workplace activities for the unemployed. The decision to reverse rather

13 Aprīlis 2016
Article
Leave
Labour market policies
Skills and training
Public services
Social protection
Employment and labour markets
Living conditions and quality of life
Blogs results (10)
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EU lack of labour won't be solved by skills alone: Improving job quality is key

The European Commission declared 2023 as the European Year of Skills, stating ‘Helping people get the right skills for quality jobs and helping companies, in particular small and medium enterprises, address skills shortages in the EU is what this year is all about.’

27 Marts 2023
Tina Weber
Blog
Skills and training
Working conditions
Gender equality
Employment and labour markets
Labour market policies
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Recovering from this pandemic means rebuilding hope for the future

We need to study and understand the blow Europe’s youth have suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to adjust recovery and resilience measures to their needs: without prioritising young people in the present, we have little hope for the future.

3 Decembris 2021
Ivailo Kalfin
Blog
Youth
Subjective well-being
COVID-19
Labour market policies
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The pandemic aggravated labour shortages in some sectors; the problem is now emerging in others

Following the declines in employment rates and working hours across Europe in 2020, economies began to show signs of recovery during the first quarter of 2021. The gradual rekindling of economic activity has led to a surge in demand for workers and reawakened concerns over labour shortages

20 Jūlijs 2021
Dragoș Adăscăliței
Blog
Skills and training
Employment structure
European Pillar of Social Rights
Employment and labour markets
COVID-19
Labour market policies
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Minimum wages rise again, but the pandemic puts a brake on their growth

Decision-makers approached minimum wage setting for 2021 cautiously due to the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic. Despite this, nominal statutory minimum wages rose in most Member States and the UK, although at lower rates than in recent years.

8 Jūnijs 2021
Carlos Vacas‑Soriano
Blog
Social dialogue
Pay and income
Working poor
Minimum wage
European Pillar of Social Rights
Labour market policies
Industrial relations and social dialogue
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Two worlds of income support during COVID-19

​​​​​​​To date, close to six million workers in the EU have lost their jobs due to COVID-19. Many businesses have closed their doors forever or been pushed to the brink, bringing severe financial and psychological hardship to the individuals and families affected. However, the toll of the pandemic

9 Februāris 2021
Tina Weber
Blog
COVID-19
Employment and labour markets
Labour market policies
Pay and income
Social protection
Unemployment
Working time
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Can short-time working save jobs during the COVID-19 crisis?

On 2 April, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new fund of up to €100 billion to support EU Member States to introduce short-time working or similar schemes, including for the self-employed, in an effort to safeguard jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Known as SURE

5 Maijs 2020
Tina Weber
Blog
COVID-19
Labour market policies
Labour and social regulation
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Europe’s low-carbon transition makes economic sense

At the very outset of its mandate, the new European Commission presented the European Green Deal, establishing the objective of becoming the first climate-neutral bloc in the world by 2050. The initiative emphasises the seriousness which the European Commission places on the climate and biodiversity

21 Februāris 2020
James Higgins
Blog
Employment and labour markets
European Green Deal
Industrial policy
Job creation
Just transition
Labour market policies
Structural change
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Where are all the good jobs?

Economic disparities have been decreasing between EU member states over the past decade, but at the same time inequality has been growing within member states. Despite national level convergence, the gap in wealth and income between the rich and the poor is growing in most of Europe. Some of this

29 Oktobris 2019
John Hurley
Blog
Employment structure
Labour market policies
Job creation
Job quality
Employment and labour markets
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The challenge of plenty: Tackling labour shortages in the EU

Unemployment in the EU is continuing to fall, with the rate approaching its 2008 low point. This is good news: the Europe 2020 target of 75% employment in the working age population is now in sight for many Member States. However, as unemployment reaches new lows, the opposite problem is emerging –

19 Novembris 2018
Catherine Cerf
Blog
Labour market participation
Labour market policies
Migration and mobility
Working conditions
Working conditions and sustainable work
Working time
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Platform work – Breaking barriers or breaking bad?

In the abstract, platform work is the matching of supply and demand for paid work through an online platform. In practice, most people are likely to have encountered it through big online platforms such as Uber, Deliveroo or Amazon Mechanical Turk. This is a new form employment that began to emerge

2 Novembris 2018
Irene Mandl
Blog
Platform work
Working conditions
New forms of employment
Digitalisation
Labour market policies
Anticipating and managing the impact of change
Working conditions and sustainable work
Upcoming publications results (2)

Company practices to tackle labour shortages

This report provides updated data on the scale of labour shortages and labour market slack in the EU and at Member State level and focusses on organisational policies aimed at attracting workers in shortage occupations. It provides lessons on steps employers can take to fill vacancies, whether actin

September 2024
Forthcoming
Publication
Research report
Employment and labour markets
Job creation
Labour market policies

COVID-19 support measures and their effects on mitigating the longer-term consequences of COVID-19 for business, work and employment

Job retention schemes were the main policy instruments used across the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic to preserve employment and support businesses. The report provides an analysis of job retention schemes in the EU, focusing on their institutional characteristics, their impact on employment levels

September 2024
Forthcoming
Publication
Research report
COVID-19
Employment and labour markets
Labour market policies

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