Changing Labour Markets in Europe: The Role of Institutions and Policies

Labor market institutions are a stabilizing force in the face of continuous structural and technological change. They are necessary for shaping the behavior of firms and workers, and are a precondition for the efficient functioning of labor market systems. Drawing on the experience of four small European economies (Austria, Denmark, Ireland and the Netherlands) , this book analyzes four important policy areas in terms of their potential contribution to employment success: macroeconomics, industrial relations, working time and equal opportunities.