This is a comparative study of fifteen EU countries looking at discrimination, exclusion and disadvantages affecting minorities in the labour market. Despite growing diversity, certain ethnic groups are still under-represented in the labour market. In particular, migrants from Third World countries often find themselves with unskilled and poorly paid work.

In some respects the situation is the same in all the member states of the European Union:
• Discrimination occurs in many forms and to varying extents. The most common discriminatory practices include inequality of pay, inequality of opportunities for promotion and self-development, and inequality in job application procedures.
• If you belong to an ethnic minority and have low economic status you will ultimately be more likely to encounter discrimination and racism.

However, there are also differences between EU member states as regards the situation for minorities in the labour market:
• In northern and western European countries the subject of integration of long-term migrants, including second-generation migrants, has grown substantially in importance. One reason for this is the occurrence of certain prominent cases of discrimination. • In countries where immigration has traditionally been low or virtually non-existent, such as Ireland, Finland and the countries of southern Europe, racism and discrimination against migrants are seen as a fairly new phenomenon.
• In southern Europe there is often an active labour market preference for immigrants, who are actively recruited as being cheaper and more flexible workers.

European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia
The Netherlands
http://eumc.eu.int/eumc/index.php

22/03/2004

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International Centre for Migration Policy Development

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Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration

Integration of social groups