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.