News

Since February 2009 the Commission is publishing a series of monthly analyses to monitor the EU employment situation. This in response to the need to closely monitor the rapidly changing situation on a more frequent basis and provide up-to-date information on recent developments following the economic crisis which hit last year.

The monitors present updates of the labour market situation and restructuring trends, set against a background of economic and sectoral developments. It is intended to provide guidance to support the development of further appropriate policy responses to the crisis.

The February report provides a special focus on developments in the larger Member States as well as an in-depth analysis of the automotive industry and an indication of the overall social implications of the economic crisis.

The March report shows a more marked impact of the economic downturn on the labour market in the EU, with unemployment rates rising in all but four Member States. Though the average unemployment rate across Europe continue to be less affected than in the US. The March report also specifically focuses on the retail trade, a sector showing some resilience.

The April report shows that in March there has been a fall in the number of announced job losses compared to previous months. The special focus of this month’s report is on financial services, one of the most seriously hit sectors as regards job losses.

The May report points out that although the labour markets continue to deteriorate there are some emerging signs of the pace of decline subsiding. This report includes a special focus on the renewable energy sector with positive employment prospects.

February report

March report

April report

May report