ABSTRACT
Increasing labour market flexibility is one among a number of socio economic changes taking place in the world of work and superficially at least, it does not appear to be the most important. If there is to be any transfer of policies or policy ideas in relation to employment flexibility and its consequences between France and Britain, it can only realistically happen if the context of rights, citizenship and self respect is fully understood and its impact on policy receptiveness and effectiveness is fully appreciated. The underlying difference here between the two countries lies less with the sorts of social policy that might be put in place but rather with the social and political culture within what they must work. There is general agreement in EU states that labour market deregulation and greater employment flexibility are economically valuable and necessary, in order to maintain a competitive position in world markets.
