Social cohesion
Overview
The Foundation's research in this area relates to the key priorities of the EU Social Agenda – full employment and a more inclusive society – and will continue to be a major focus.
Areas of research undertaken by the Foundation include a two-phase report on the issue of disability and social inclusion, which identified policy initiatives that can facilitate social and economic integration, as well as examining ways to retain people with chronic illnesses and disabilities in employment. Another key focus has been the exploration of employment initiatives for an ageing workforce.
In the context of an ageing population and increasing demand for care services in the EU, there is growing concern about the supply of suitably qualified care workers. Low pay, low status, and high rates of turnover and burnout make it difficult to attract workers to the care sector and keep them in their jobs. Foundation research looks at a range of innovative approaches aimed at increasing the supply of qualified workers in the sector.
Another project examined if, and to what extent, regional social capital is a factor, both in combating social exclusion and in promoting employment in disadvantaged regions. The study on a new organisation of time over working life provides a significant input into the emerging debate in Europe on employment, social protection and care over the life course.
Views and attitudes of citizens in the EU25 on issues of social exclusion, low income and deprivation, and the underlying reasons, are analysed in two further reports.
Sources
- Case
studies: Attractive workplaces - Innovative company strategies
for growth and jobs
Specific initiatives of companies aimed at assisting people at particular risk of exclusion, such as the long-term unemployed, early school leavers and people with disabilities - Case studies: Employment guidance services for people with disabilities
New or enhanced approaches to providing employment services for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses - EurLIFE
- an interactive database of statistical indicators
Describes living conditions and quality of life in Europe; it includes data from the Foundation's surveys on living and working conditions, and from other comparable EU-wide data sources - Quality of life in
Europe survey
An ongoing survey that monitors and analyses quality of life and living conditions across Europe - Access
to employment for vulnerable groups
Second Foundation paper, which focuses on improving access to employment, specifically for groups who are disadvantaged in the labour market