Labour shortages – turning away from bad jobs

Policy recommendations

Rising labour shortages reflect structural shifts, including the digital and green transitions, as well as a cyclical component in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The policy debate tends to focus on the need for skills and, where they are deemed to be missing, on bringing in those skills through immigration and mobility. Most discussions ignore the role of job quality, even though labour shortages have increased most and are worst in jobs with lower wages and worse conditions.
Tight labour markets can provide workers with opportunities, to some extent making up for the slow erosion of workers’ bargaining power over time. Indeed, this can lead to higher wages, better conditions and higher equality of wages overall.
It is now necessary to support workers and sectors in improving conditions. This can be done by embracing higher minimum standards on wages and quality of work. This aspect should not be neglected.

Labour shortages – turning away from bad jobs - European Economic, Employment and Social Policy, 2023 DOWNLOAD

Combating modern slavery experienced by Vietnamese nationals en route to, and within, the UK

Publications

Vietnam has consistently featured in official statistics on modern slavery as one of the top three source countries for victims of the crime. Driven by this, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner visited Vietnam in 2015 and subsequently commissi...Read More

TAGS: Asia Europe

The International Legal Definition of Trafficking in Persons: Consolidation of research findings and reflection on issues raised

Publications

Until December 2000, the term “trafficking in persons” was not defined in international law, despite its incorporation in several international legal instruments.The long-standing failure to develop an agreed-upon definition of trafficking in pe...Read More

TAGS:

Golden Dreams Infosheet

Publications

Golden Dreams is a Burmese-language smartphone app targeting current and prospective migrant workers. It is a platform for learning and exchanging information, reviews, ratings, comments, and advice about employers, recruiters, and service providers...Read More

TAGS: Recruitment Asia

The Passage Modern Slavery Service Annual Report 2021/2022

Good PracticesPublications

The majority of support is provided before people enter the National Referral Mechanism. The pre-NRM support includes emergency accommodation, addressing primary needs, signposting to a First Responder, formal referral to the NRM, referrals to healt...Read More

TAGS: Europe