Determinants of employment

Abstract

"A look at the German labour market reveals three problems: one of levels, one of performance, and one of structure. The current profile of success in the German labour market must be considered rather weak compared to other OECD countries, and especially those of the European Union. The picture has not always been so sobering. In fact, the performance of the labour market in Germany has deteriorated in both absolute and relative terms, especially during the nineties. The persistent and growing deficit of jobs has furthermore highlighted structural problems such as long-term unemployment. The paper discusses the main causes for the crisis in the labour market, and reviews the measures taken to reform labour market policy and employment policy over the past few years. It can be shown that these changes are not sufficient to produce a significant, lasting improvement in overall German employment. Farther-reaching reform concepts have already been suggested and must be given consideration." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Walwei, U. (2006): Determinants of employment. The macroeconomic view. In: C. Dreger, H. P. Galler & U. Walwei (Hrsg.) (2006): Determinants of employment : the macroeconomic view (Schriften des Instituts für Wirtschaftsforschung Halle, 22), p. 9-30.