Rising Employment Rates for Women and Elderly in 2007

The Labour Force Survey 2007 has reported an increase in employment rate within the EU27. Between 2000 and 2007, studies show that employment rates have risen across all demographic groups. Within the 3.3% employment rate increase for people aged 15-64, 58.3% of women in the EU are now working, compared to the former 53.6% in 2000. Denmark and Sweden hold the highest rates of female employment rates, with percentages above 70% while Malta holds the lowest female employment rate at a meagre 36.9%. For the older demographic of people aged 55-64, there was also an increase to 44.7% in 2007 from 36.8% in 2000. Sweden and Denmark again claimed the top spots for highest percentages of those employed in this age group with above 70.0% while Malta, Poland and Luxemburg hold the lowest rates for the 55-64 year olds with under 33%. European Diversity’s General Manager, Michael Stuber comments, “This is a time for companies to reconsider their perception of the labour markets. In the present day, talent comes in different shapes than in previous decades, and corporate cultures and workplaces have to be structured in a way that accommodates all different talents.” Stuber also recommends that countries with low employment rates review their policies and frameworks to tap into and best utilize their societal resources. The 2007 Labour Force Survey was published by Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities.