European study highlights worsening working conditions
A European study has found that work-related health problems, intensification of work and flexible employment practices in Europe are causing a deterioration in working conditions. Research was carried out by the 'European foundation for the improvement of living and working conditions', an autonomous European research and advisory body established by the Council of Ministers in 1975 to monitor working conditions throughout Europe. During 2000, individual interviews were conducted with 21,500 workers, covering all aspects of working conditions. 'The first results from the 'Third European survey on working conditions' should ring alarm bells in the European workplace,' said Raymond-Pierre Bodin, director of the Foundation. 'The findings show very clearly the need for a full debate on the quality of work in Europe, in the current climate of increased competition and changing employment patterns.' Pascal Paoli, research manager at the Foundation added 'One of the most striking results of the survey is the intensification of work. It has risen sharply during the past ten years and shows no signs of slowing down. We [...] know that this type of intensity is strongly linked to health disorders and accidents at work.' An EU summit meeting on employment, due to take place in Stockholm in March 2001, will deal with the labour market of the future and the working environment.