ABSTRACT
Before looking at European Community legislation in the field of employment it is useful to have an overview of the labour market and employment law in the different member countries. The labour market situation in the Member States influences national employment legislation and determines government employment policy. The member countries’ different labour market experiences in the past, and expected trends for the future, have influenced existing Community policies and determined member governments’ varying attitudes to current EC decision-making. Different national traditions in employment legislation and the different social security systems in Member States are also important influences on Community law and Community policies.
