Search Results

This study provides an overview of the situation of immigrants in the European Union (EU), by focusing on the process of their integration and its impact on the labour market. Section one provides information on the scale of the migration phenomenon, focusing on the origin patterns of immigrants to the EU-27 and describing evidence about the need of immigrant workers. Section two explores in greater detail the employment situation of immigrants, their distribution across the industrial sectors and how this compares with the native population. The legal status of seasonal workers, posted workers and intra-corporate transferees from outside the EU is outlined in section three, where immigration legislation for these types of workers is described.

Section four explores obstacles to the integration of immigrants and their children within the educational system, as well as their assimilation into the labour market. The role of both restrictive immigration policies and of practical barriers to integration is investigated. The impact of immigration on the wages and on the welfare state is considered in section five, where evidence from empirical studies is compared with the results of opinion surveys. Section six concludes the study with an overview of the current implementation of anti-discrimination laws in EU Member States. The section describes best practices taken at the national and company level which have been successful in promoting the integration of immigrants, preventing discrimination and improving their social inclusion. The final section seven gives some policy recommendations.

Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner. Show less

The study assesses the situation of people with disabilities within the European Union and the impact of the measures used to increase their employment. People with disabilities face low employment rates, a high dependency on benefits as well as increased poverty risk. Two types of measures exist to reinforce the social inclusion of disabled people: passive measures (cash benefits) and active measures (active labour market policies). Non-discrimination legislation and policy play an important part within the integration process of the European Union. It is argued that there is a need for an effective implementation and enforcement of the principle of non-discrimination. In addition, disability should be addressed from a broader scope by focusing on remaining or partial work capacity rather than work incapacity. Therefore, a right balance between flexibility on the one hand and security on the other hand is needed. The objective of promoting independent living for disabled people should be included as an explicit priority in the next Disability Action Plan.

Published abstract. Show less

This study provides an overview of the importance and activities of employment agencies as well as their legal framework ([World Trade Organisation] WTO, [International Labour Organisation] ILO, [European Union] EU) in the EU Member States and closely examines their role in selected countries, while focusing on temporary work agencies, a significantly growing market within the EU. Due to limited data, there is no clear-cut result on the agencies' longer-term impact. However, the four identified market types (market driven, social dialogue based, legislator driven and emerging markets) are analysed through country cases regarding national regulations, the treatment of workers and everyday functioning of the agencies. It becomes evident that there is a wide diversity of the branch, which needs to be taken into account when reviewing EU Directive 2008/104/EC.

Published abstract. Show less