Employment case studies

A 2004 report for the European Commission identified that “unemployment and underemployment are the most obvious reasons for poverty” and children whose parents are workless are the most likely to be growing up in poverty. Indeed, job loss, lack of labour market opportunities, precarious and low-wage employment are all factors that bring about poverty. Many workless individuals have low educational and vocational qualifications, meaning that their employment opportunities are generally restricted. Although unemployment has gradually reduced in the EU since the 1990s peak, joblessness and insecure employment are still widespread and have been exacerbated by the economic downturn sparked by the financial crisis in 2008.

Under this theme Network partners analysed policies and projects that have successfully promoted access to training and sustainable employment among parents. A particular emphasis was on successful policies for parents facing additional barriers to entering the labour market, such as disabled parents and lone parents.

A policy workshop and study visit event covering this theme took place in London in April 2008. Further information can be found in this policy bulletin.