EU labour market shows progress in job quality and adequate wages but challenges remain

The European labour market remains resilient, with low unemployment levels, despite a decline in employment growth, according to the European Commission's latest Labour Market and Wage Developments in Europe report.

In 2024, job growth decreased to 0.8%, compared to 1.2% in 2023, as a result of economic pressure and geopolitical instability. Nevertheless, the unemployment rate in Europe remains near its record low.

Despite welcomed progress over the last decade which saw certain sectors experience significant rises in pay, one in five workers remain in low-paying jobs. In 2024, wages rose by 2.7% and they are expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels in most Member States by the end of the year. The report highlighted that measures such as increased minimum wages can support low-wage earners with their cost of living.

The report emphasizes the need for enhanced initiatives to improve productivity and job quality, which are essential for maintaining high wages and competitiveness.

EU initiatives such as the following aim to promote fair income, skills development and innovation-led growth:

• Minimum Wage Directive
• Competitiveness Compass
• Quality Jobs Roadmap (forthcoming )

See report

Conference

Key insights and the latest facts and figures from the Labour Market and Wage Developments in Europe report will be discussed at the conference Building the workforce of tomorrow: inclusive participation and quality jobs for a competitive Europe on 13 November 2025.

Register for the conference