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

Latest

Find the latest content on this topic below.

Research report

10 July 2026

Employment and working conditions of the most vulnerable workers: Addressing an ongoing policy challenge

Dragoș Adăscălițeiand 3 other authors

Over the past two decades, labour markets across the EU have seen a marked rise in non-standard employment. While such arrangements can offer flexibility and better work–life balance, vulnerability arises when they are involuntary or when multiple non-standard characteristics intersect. This report analyses the prevalence of employment vulnerability across the EU-27 from 2009 to 2021, examining its links to working conditions, health outcomes and policy responses. The findings show that women, young people and migrants face the highest risk, with those experiencing multiple dimensions of vulnerability reporting poorer job prospects, limited training opportunities, less autonomy and higher rates of anxiety and depression. The report also reviews EU and national policy measures aimed at strengthening contractual certainty and supporting transitions to more secure employment.

Research report

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.

Research report

Forthcoming

October 2026

New forms of work: Labour market trends and working conditions

Dragoș Adăscăliței

This report provides an overview of trends in new and non-standard forms of work across the European Union. Drawing on available comparative European datasets, it maps recent developments in these work arrangements and analyses their implications for job quality. The report also examines actions taken by social partners in recent years to address the challenges posed by new and non-standard forms of work.

Experts on Labour market participation

Researchers at Eurofound provide expert insights and can be contacted for questions or media requests.

Carlos Vacas‑Soriano

Senior research manager

Employment research

Carlos Vacas Soriano is a senior research manager in the Employment unit at Eurofound. He works on topics related to wage and income inequalities, minimum wages, low pay, job quality, temporary employment and segmentation, and job quality. Prior to joining Eurofound in 2010, he worked as a macroeconomic analyst for the European Commission and as a researcher in European labour markets at the Spanish Central Bank. He holds an MA in European Economic Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges and a PhD in Labour Economics from the University of Salamanca (Doctor Europaeus).

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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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All content for Labour market participation

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