Issue 131
October 2024
ISSN 2315-0017
Spotlight on employment
In a world of rapid technological transformations, shifting demographics, and a growing focus on sustainability, labour markets and employment structures around the globe are increasingly subject to change. For businesses, innovation is key to stay competitive in this dynamic landscape, while there is a growing requirement for employees to be able to quickly acquire new skills and to adapt to evolving job roles.
As outlined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the EU is committed to supporting the development of a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce and labour markets that are responsive to economic change. Through a range of programmes, the EU aims to support innovation and skills building, and to foster economic growth. Additionally, to remedy consequences brought about by shifts in employment landscapes, the EU has put measures in place to help workers that are displaced due to company restructuring to find new jobs. The EU has also set out a plan to address labour and skills shortages as part of its strategy to boost competitiveness and enhance its economic and social resilience.
While labour markets and employment structures continue to evolve, the EU remains strongly committed to promoting fair labour practices, worker protection, and equality in the workplace. From work-life balance to minimum wages, the EU has taken action in different domains to help ensure good quality working conditions for employees across its Member States. These policies are guided by the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU’s social rulebook aiming to support fair and well-functioning labour markets and welfare systems.
Our October newsletter puts the spotlight on employment. As always, we also recommend publications on other topics such as European citizens’ initiatives and the blue economy.
Enjoy the good reads!
Living and working in Europe 2023 PDF/Paper
In this yearbook, Eurofound provides a snapshot of what Europeans’ life and work were like in 2023. From hybrid working to the right to disconnect, dive into the major talking points of European workplaces and read about various factors influencing Europeans’ quality of life.
Available in EnglishRemote and hybrid work PDF/Paper
Managing safety and health anywhere
As digital technologies and consequently, hybrid working, become increasingly common, ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees is complex. In this publication, learn about the crucial steps to ensure occupational health and safety at the modern workplace.
Available in Bulgarian, English, French, German, Greek, Lithuanian, Maltese, Portuguese, and SlovakReasonable accommodation at work PDF/Paper
Guidelines and good practices
Unlock the key to creating an inclusive and accommodating work environment for all employees, regardless of their abilities. Discover practical insights and examples of good practices to recruit, employ, and retain persons with disabilities in a way that enriches your workplace and benefits both employees and employers.
Available in EnglishTackling skills and labour shortages in the EU PDF
Did you know that only 75% of women are active on the labour market compared to 85% of men? Or that nearly 63% of SMEs cannot find the talent they need and that there are 42 occupations experiencing shortages EU wide? Read about the actions that the European Commission is undertaking as part of the EU’s strategy to boost its competitiveness and enhance its economic and social resilience.
Available in English, French, and GermanUntangling labour shortages in Europe PDF
Unmet skill demand or bad jobs?
Find out more about the root causes of labour shortages seen in European markets thanks to exclusive data from Cedefop’s European skills and jobs survey. The study explores the links between skill demands, job quality, and labour turnover that shape the European job market.
Available in English
Getting to know the blue economy through open data html
The blue economy encompasses every industry and sector linked to oceans, seas and coasts, whether they operate directly within the marine environment or on land. Given the extent of its maritime territory, the blue economy holds significant importance for the EU’s overall economy. Curious to learn more about the EU’s maritime affairs? Check out this data story and get to know the blue economy through open data.
Available in English
Posting of Drivers VIDEO
If you carry out certain transport operations for a limited period in another EU Member State than the one where your employer is established, you are a posted driver. The European Union has put various measures in place to protect the rights of posted drivers. Find out more about these rights through this video from the European Labour Authority.
Available in EnglishIn your language
Work anywhere in Europe PDF/Paper
Search, find, match
The European Union’s principle of free movement of workers is one of your fundamental rights as an EU citizen. It means that you can move to any EU Member State, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, to look for and take up a job as well as to recruit staff from any of these countries. Eager to find out more about this right and how EURES, the European network of employment services, can help you exercise it? Take a look at this publication from the European Labour Authority.
Available in all official languages of the EU, Icelandic, and NorwegianI colour in Europe PDF/Paper
With Yooki
How do you explain Europe to kids? This educational colouring book could be a start. Colour the flags of the EU countries (with models), write down their names and place them on the map of Europe. Both for home and school.
Available in all official languages of the EUYou may also like
European Citizens’ Initiative PDF
A tool to carry your ideas across the EU
Taking the leap and submitting a European citizens’ initiative can be rewarding in so many ways. From the collection of signatures, to watching your idea spread among your fellow citizens, a European citizens’ initiative campaign is marked by many special achievements and milestones. All things made possible by your leap.
Available in all official languages of the EUOur news
The Community Research and Development Information Service (CORDIS) has just released the first edition of its newsletter. The quarterly bulletin will put the spotlight on some of CORDIS’ features, highlight some of the products available on CORDIS, and more - ensuring readers stay well-informed about the evolving landscape of EU-funded research and about the developments of CORDIS.
The first edition includes articles about the recent CORDIS Results Pack on Environmental Observations for the EU Green Deal, the use of SPARQL on CORDIS, and videos available on the website.
Be sure not to miss upcoming editions by subscribing to the newsletter today! You can also help spread the word by sharing it with your friends and colleagues.
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