Benefit systems and their interaction with active labour market policies

This report analyses the way in which benefit systems interact with active policies, the extent to which they interact with each other, and the problems EU Member States will have to tackle when carrying out their activation policies in line with the provision of the Employment Guidelines.

The study looks at both quantitative and qualitative developments covering the EU15 Member States. It contains information about recent benefit reforms and strategies implemented by the Member States. All benefit systems and active labour market policies are analysed at the general level, whilst a more in-depth analysis is carried out for two labour market transitions: (a) moving from unemployment/ inactivity to work and (b) moving from work to retirement, where emphasis is placed on active ageing. Simulations carried out for six member states on selected policy measures look at their impact on unemployment and on employment rates and implications of the main results are examined in relation to the European Employment Strategy.

The report is available only on the Internet.