Stronger labour market in the EU, but still problems for the young and long-term unemployed

content provided by Eurocommerce – The labour market in Europe has continued to improve during 2015 and 2016, with unemployment rates moving closer to pre-recession levels according to the European Commission.

Long-term unemployment remains high

As pointed out in the European Commission’s 2016 ‘Labour Market and Wage Developments in Europe’ report, this is likely to be linked to stronger job creation in the services sector, which is both more labour-intensive and reacts quickly to changes in consumption, as well as the impact of structural reforms since the onset of the crisis.

While job prospects have gradually improved, about half of the unemployed in the EU and in the Eurozone had been looking for a job for 12 months or longer. The European Commission saw youth unemployment, long-term unemployment and skills needs as key priorities for action, both in encouraging job creation and equipping workers with the skills employers needed.