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A study on Satisfying Labour Demand through Migration was undertaken by twenty-three of the EMN National Contact Points from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg Netherlands, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom.
In keeping with the EMN’s objectives, the overall purpose of this study was to identify those sectors experiencing shortages in the Member States, to outline the national strategies for addressing labour market needs with third-country national migrant workers and to gain an understanding of the perceived effectiveness of these strategies, including examining the impact of the recent economic downturn and recovery on them. The study covers the period from 2004 up to end of 2010 though statistics are provided up to the end of 2009.
The analysis on satisfying labour demand through migration initially outlines the root causes of labour shortages, caused by quantitative and qualitative factors which may include unattractive labour conditions and low wages offered in some Member States, as well as the absence of national workers with the requisite skills and qualifications for particular occupations. After a presentation of the EU policy context and instruments, which outlines the EU context related to labour migration and satisfying labour demand, the study compares the EU Member States’ national debates and approaches to economic migration in relation to satisfying labour demands through migration for highly skilled, skilled and low skilled labour. The perspective of European cities with regard to satisfying labour demand according to Eurocities, the network of European cities, also contributing to this study, is given. This gives an insight into the local implementation of national economic policies and identifying the specific characteristics, needs and measures put in place at municipal level.
In order to ensure that the EU remains competitive, there will be a need to improve both the tools and methods used to identify and manage labour demand, including forecasting of shortages of workers and skills, as well as removing the difficulties associated with the recognition of qualifications and skills obtained outside the EU. Such actions will ensure the flexibility and attractiveness of national labour markets for third-country nationals as well as enable Member States to satisfy labour demand through migration when required.