Employment and Social Development in Europe – Quarterly Review [February 2018]

Further information:

Compared to a year before, EU employment rose by 1.7%. This corresponds to an additional 4 million people employed, of which 2.7 million in the euro area. Permanent jobs and full-time employment were the main contributors to this expansion. Between the third quarter of 2016 and 2017, the number of employees with permanent contracts grew by 2.8 million. This increase is three times higher than the rise in temporary contracts (900.000). The number of full-time workers surged by about 3 million, up to 181 million, while part-time workers increased by about 300.000 up to 42.7 million.

The EU employment rate of 20-64 years olds has increased consistently over the past three years, standing at 72.3% in the third quarter of 2017, the highest rate ever reached. Nonetheless, large disparities among Member States remain. National employment rates ranged from 58% in Greece to 82% in Sweden. The report also shows that unemployment in the EU is approaching pre-crisis levels at a steady pace. Unemployment has receded by around 8.6 million people since its peak recorded in April 2013 and remained below 18 million people in December 2017, the lowest level since November 2008.

Background information:

The Quarterly Review on Employment and Social Developments in Europe provides an overview of recent social and labour market developments in the EU. It looks at short-term changes in GDP and employment trends.

The first Employment and Social Development in Europe (ESDE) Quarterly Review of 2018 highlights the solid economic growth in the European Union combined with a positive economic outlook together with general improvements in the labour market.

• Primary Source

European Commission: Press Release, 12.02.18: Commission report: Employment and social situation in the EU continues to improve http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-18-721_en.htm

European Commission: DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion: Employment and Social Development in Europe - Quarterly Review [Alternative Link] http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=738&langId=en&pubId=8063

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