European Working Conditions Observatory (EWCO)
10 February 2012:
Role of intersectoral training funds in boosting skills
(Italy / Information update)
A recent study on the intersectoral training funds system in Italy, focusing on the national training fund of the services sector, Fondo For.Te., shows there is considerable room for improvement. The study found that the fund could do more to comply with the 2010 Guidelines for Training, agreed by national and regional governments and social partners. The funds need to operate as key instruments in the training process, not mere intermediaries between companies and workers.
10 February 2012:
Effects of physically demanding work on older workers
(France / Information update)
The Health and Career (SIP) survey 2007 shows that 35% of older workers have been exposed to at least one type of physical difficulty at work for at least fifteen years. These people are less likely to be in good health and also less likely to be in employment than older workers who are not in jobs that expose them to physical risk. This suggests that persistent physical demands or difficulties at work may be damaging to health and could lead to an early exit from the job market for some workers.
03 February 2012:
Overtime hours decreasing but still high
(Spain / Information update)
A report published by the General Workers’ Union (UGT) shows that the average number of hours worked each week by employees in Spain in 2008 was 38.5, compared to 38.4 in 2000. The union also says that 45 million hours of overtime were worked in 2010, almost half of which were unpaid. While the total number of extra hours worked has decreased during the last two years, overtime has actually increased in smaller companies, and its widespread use may be blocking the creation of new jobs.
03 February 2012:
Immigration and accidents at work
(Portugal / Information update)
An analysis of fatal and non-fatal accidents at work in recent years, broken down by nationality, suggests that immigrant workers are more vulnerable to workplace accidents than Portuguese workers. The study also suggests that foreigners most settled in Portuguese society, particularly those targeted by a recent integration initiative, are less likely to have workplace accidents, while groups such as Brazilians and Ukrainians, who generally do not stay long, are most at risk.
30 January 2012:
Key factors motivating social workers professionally
(Lithuania / Information update)
A survey in 2009 analysed the key motivational factors for the professional activities of social workers from different types of organisation. The findings revealed that a solid team of fellow workers and good relationships at work are the main professional motivating factors for social workers. Inadequate wages, poor social security, stress at work and lack of opportunities to improve qualifications were identified as the main factors for job dissatisfaction.
30 January 2012:
Prevalence of temporary contracts among young people
(Poland / Information update)
The report, ‘Youth of 2011’, presents a multidimensional picture of young Poles. It draws attention to the vulnerable labour market situation of those aged 15–34 and particularly those aged 15–24 whose employment prospects have been most affected by the economic crisis. Only Slovenia has a higher percentage of temporary contracts in the EU than Poland in the 15–24 age group. This domination of temporary contracts is causing increasing labour market segmentation.
30 January 2012:
New index measures shadow economy in Baltic States
(Latvia / Information update)
In 2011 a survey conducted by the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga sought to measure the size of the shadow economy in the Baltic States as a percentage of GDP. Researchers drew up a ‘shadow economy index’ which identifies and measures indicators of informal economic activity such as under-reporting of profits, numbers of employees and salary levels. The intention is to monitor the size and role of the shadow economy in the three countries regularly using the new index.
20 January 2012:
Working time and health risks for young people
(Germany / Information update)
A working group set up by the federal and state governments has examined the need for changes to the Young Persons (Protection of Employment) Act. No major amendments are recommended, although the group suggests permitting Saturday work. The recommendations were based on findings from research into working time and the health risks of long working hours in the hotel and restaurant (Horeca) sector. The findings revealed problems with complying with the law’s provisions in the latter sector.
20 January 2012:
Flexible working more popular than ever
(United Kingdom / Information update)
The CBI/Harvey Nash employment trends survey published in June 2011 reveals an increase in flexible working practices in the UK. While most employers offer one form of flexible working, many offer three or more forms. Teleworking showed the greatest rise in popularity between 2006 and 2011. However, the government proposal to extend the right to request flexible working to all employees rather than just those with caring responsibilities has been met with mixed reactions from employers.
20 January 2012:
Job situation of university graduates
(Austria / Information update)
A survey of graduates of Austrian universities of all types between 2004 and 2008 found that most have a relatively easy entry into the labour market, using traditional job-hunting strategies such as replying to adverts or making unsolicited approaches to employers. The favourable employment situation during these years may well have helped. The survey also revealed a link between the type of school attended and the type of university where students enrol.