Working poor in the European Union

The concept of the 'working poor' has become increasing applicable to social and labour market realities in the EU, due to the rise in atypical and precarious work patterns and a growing polarisation in the labour market between low or unskilled work and highskilled work. Based primarily on a comprehensive literature review, this report covers issues such as definitions of the working poor, the incidence and characteristics of the working poor and related subgroups, as well as examining the various policy responses aimed at alleviating or combating working poverty.