Europe’s Great Labor Market Divide

The intense variation in economic circumstances and employment in Euro Area countries has created a gap between the high and low performers. The gulf between the haves and the have nots in Europe will likely continue to put stress on the future of European unity. Now that the debt crisis has reached new heights and a second recession seems very likely, employment is unlikely to recover in Europe in the near term.

This EA compares employment growth in many different European countries and from various angles between the beginning of 2008 and the third quarter of 2011, and highlights job creators and strength in the labor market among different industries. It also provides a window into what the future may hold for Europe depending on the trajectory of current trends and issues.