Young workers in Europe have long faced many difficulties in their transition into the labour market and particularly in finding secure employment. The financial crisis of 2008 has worsened this situation significantly. Though there are important regional and sectoral variations, national debates as to the causes of these problems focus on a complex interaction of labour market structures, skills training, access to vocational training and apprenticeships, education systems, and reduction of job openings. While social partners have generally recognised the problems facing young workers, collective bargaining has not proved particularly useful (though there are some exceptions) in dealing with young workers’ difficulties in the labour market. Governments have been particularly active in promoting a range of labour market policies. Of these the promotion of apprenticeships seems to have attracted widespread support across the EU.
The study was compiled on the basis of individual national reports submitted by the EIRO correspondents. The text of each of these national reports is available below. The reports have not been edited or approved by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions. The national reports were drawn up in response to a questionnaire and should be read in conjunction with it.