Communication from the Commission – Key messages from the Employment in Europe 2009 Report

The current crisis is taking its toll on EU labour markets, reversing most of the employment growth achieved since 2000, according to the 2009 Employment in Europe Report published on 23 November 2009.

Men, young people, the low-skilled and workers on temporary contracts have borne the brunt of the employment contraction. Employment in the EU has shrunk by over 4 million jobs since the start of the crisis, although the effect has been somewhat mitigated thanks to the use of shorter working hours and other schemes. But these short term measures, however important, are not in themselves sufficient to ensure a successful exit from the crisis. Employment policies must focus on preparing for the transition to a low-carbon economy.

With this challenge in mind, the 21st annual edition of the Employment in Europe report takes a deeper look at two key issues for future EU labour market policy: movements to, from and between jobs and the implications of climate change for the job market.

ESO: Background information: EU unemployment levels to top 10% in 2010, says report http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-unemployment-levels-to-top-10-in-2010-says-report/

European Commission: DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities: Employment Analysis and Networks: Employment in Europe 2009 http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=113&newsId=642&furtherNews=yes

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