According to Eurostat today, employment in Europe and the Euro Area continues to expand with more than 400.000 jobs being added in the second quarter.

“New jobs are welcome” said Józef Niemiec, Deputy General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). “But in many cases, the jobs created are of a questionable quality. In the UK, for example, the number of zero hour contracts has risen by 20% over the last year and the jobs created in Spain are mostly low paid, part time and temporary jobs.”

“Germany stands out as a positive exception. The total number of jobs in Germany keeps growing at a robust pace, more than plus 160.000 in the second quarter, and the infamous mini jobs are being replaced by regular jobs. This is thanks in part to the introduction of a minimum wage.

“Policy makers in Europe should revise their idea that fewer workers’ rights means more jobs – it does not. The minimum wage in Germany has boosted job creation.”