EU unemployment levels to top 10% in 2010, says report

The economic crisis of 2008-09 is taking its toll on EU labour markets, reversing most of the employment growth achieved since 2000, according to the 2009 Employment in Europe Report published on the 23 November 2009.

Men, young people, the low-skilled and workers on temporary contracts have borne the brunt of the employment contraction. Employment in the EU has shrunk by over 4m jobs since the start of the crisis, although the effect has been somewhat mitigated thanks to the use of shorter working hours and other schemes. But these short term measures, however important, are not in themselves sufficient to ensure a successful exit from the crisis. Employment policies must focus on preparing for the transition to a low-carbon economy.

European Commission: DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities: Employment Analysis and Networks: Employment in Europe 2009 http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=113&newsId=642&furtherNews=yes

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