GINI DP 86: Inequalities at work Job quality, Health and Low pay in European Workplaces

Using data from the two most recent waves of the European Working Conditions Survey we study inequalities in health, job quality and low pay in 15 European countries. Our health indicators refer to physical and mental health symptoms reported by the worker. A summary indicator of job quality is constructed using information on the working conditions experienced by the worker. Results show considerable differences within and between countries in the health status of workers, ceteris paribus. We show that bad jobs are correlated with adverse health conditions at work. We also show that specific cross-country features influence the relationship between job conditions and health problems, and that heterogeneity in job quality exists across countries.