Employment and social dimensions of the single European market

Abstract

"The programme for a Single Market which is an essential part of the economic integration of the countries of the European Community has been realized to a considerable extent. There is no doubt about the positive effect of the completion of the single Market on the employment situation. However, it is not certain how strong it will be, how it will be distributed, nor when it will happen. Higher demands regarding qualifications in the light of growing competition, an ageing active population and low numbers of the younger generations will mean that companies will compete more and more vehemently for qualified experts throughout the EC. This shortage of qualified labour will also favour the employment opportunities of women who as a rule have good formal qualifications. In contrast to this the problem of long-term unemployment will probably persist. Therefore specific measures to promote the employment of certain target groups are as necessary as before. The required safeguarding of social standards is still incomplete in the part of Europe to be integrated. So far binding agreements could only be reached in some areas of minor importance. Suitable criteria for the determination of further social minimum standards are the principle of subsidiarity and the place of production. Possible immigration from Third World or Eastern European countries into the EC are a big question. There is considerable pressure for migration by people from the development countries and the new democracies in Central and West Europe who want to enter the wealthy industrial countries of Western Europe." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Walwei, U. & Werner, H. (1993): Employment and social dimensions of the single European market. In: IAB Labour Market Research Topics No. 1, p. 1-34.