In-work poverty and labour market segmentation in the EU

Hugh Frazer, Eric Marlier

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Abstract

Until now in-work poverty and labour market segmentation have not received sufficient attention in the EU's efforts to tackle poverty and social exclusion. However, given that the 17 million working poor in the EU represent about 15% of the new Europe 2020 social inclusion target, this is likely to become a more important issue in the future. The analysis of in-work poverty and labour market segmentation presented here is a first step to fill this gap and to suggest how progress can be made on this issue. It is also intended as a contribution to the monitoring of the EU ?Active Inclusion? process, which was launched at the end of 2008 and which is a crucial part of the EU's efforts to tackle poverty and social exclusion. The Network Core Team's Synthesis Report is based on individual country reports prepared by members of the EU Network of Independent Experts on Social Inclusion. The experts' reports cover three elements. First, they provide a general statistical overview of the situation in their country in a comparative perspective, presenting some of the agreed indicators used to monitor the Social Open Method of Coordination and European Employment Strategy objectives. This is complemented with any available national data. Secondly, they examine the main explanatory factors for in-work poverty and labour market segmentation by undertaking a critical review of national studies by Governments and researchers. They also highlight the political debate at national level on these issues. Thirdly, they present and analyse policies in Member States to address in-work poverty and labour market segmentation. The structure of the Synthesis Report follows the three parts of the national reports. It also contains overall conclusions and suggestions on the way forward. It suggests that progress needs to be made in four main areas: raising public awareness and political priority; enhancing data and analysis; improving monitoring and reporting; and enhancing the mainstreaming of social inclusion goals in economic and employment policies. For this, it makes twelve proposals for action at the country and/or EU level as to how progress might be made in relation to each of these areas.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherCEPS/INSTEAD
Number of pages64
Publication statusPublished - 2010

Publication series

NameEuropean Network of Independent Experts on Social Inclusion
PublisherCEPS/INSTEAD
No.2010-02

LISER Collections

  • European Network of Independent Experts on Social Inclusion

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