This issue of Foundation Focus places the spotlight on age and employment, viewed in the light of recent policy developments at EU and national level and based on Foundation research findings in this area. The aim of the series is to explore a subject of social and economic policy importance and...

Temporary agency work is an important and rapidly expanding form of employment throughout the European Union. Its regulation continues to be a contentious issue, as the demands of employment creation and flexibility need to be balanced with employment protection and security for workers. This...

In the context of an ageing population and increasing demand for care services in the European Union, there is growing concern about the supply of suitably qualified care workers. Low pay, low status, and high rates of turnover and burnout make it difficult to attract workers to the care sector...

This report examines two topical issues - minimum wages and the crossborder relocation of production - from the perspective of industrial relations. Drawing on comparative analysis from the European Industrial Relation Observatory (EIRO), it looks at the situation in the 25 EU Member States, in...

The rural landscape in Europe is undergoing enormous demographic, social and cultural change. Many rural areas are growing faster than urban areas, while others are experiencing a decline. One key phenomenon in recent times is the increasingly global penetration of local markets, which has...

Childcare is moving to the forefront of social policy within the EU. Yet, in the face of increasing demand for more and better provision of childcare services, it is clear that there are huge gaps in current provision and problems in attracting people to work in this area. This report focuses on...

As the European population grows older, there is increasing pressure on governments and companies to provide initiatives that enable and encourage older workers to remain in the workplace. This report documents a range of case examples from companies across the former 15 EU Member States which...

Social capital is clearly linked to improving social relations and participation in local community activities. Defined as 'networks, norms, values and understanding within groups', the role of social capital, has, to date, been insufficiently covered at regional level. In 2003, the Foundation...

How do citizens perceive the dynamic relations and interdependencies between various aspects of quality of living and working conditions in a European Union of 25 Member States? According to this report on Working and living in an enlarged Europe, employees spend at least one third of their time...

This second annual review examines four key dimensions in working conditions and quality of work and employment: career and employment, health and well-being, skills development, and work-life balance. The report outlines relevant legislative and policy developments, and examines trends in the...