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The concept of ‘flexicurity’: a new approach to regulating employment and labour markets

Author

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  • Ton Wilthagen

    (Tilburg University - e-mail: wilthagen@uvt.nl)

  • Frank Tros

    (University of Amsterdam - e-mail: F.H.Tros@uva.nl)

Abstract

This article deals with the new policy concept of ‘flexicurity’ in view of the emerging flexibility-security nexus currently faced by the European Union, national governments, sectors of industry, individual companies and workers. On the one hand there is a strong demand to make labour markets, employment and work organisation more flexible. At same time, an equally strong demand exists for providing security to employees – especially vulnerable groups – and for preserving social cohesion in our societies. Policy-makers, legislators, trade unions and employers’ organisations have a strong need for new theory-inspired policy models and concepts that promise to reconcile these goals of enhancing both flexibility and security that at first sight seem incompatible. This article discusses the origins, conditions and potential of ‘flexicurity’ as policy or strategy at various levels of industrial relations. It also outlines a research agenda.

Suggested Citation

  • Ton Wilthagen & Frank Tros, 2004. "The concept of ‘flexicurity’: a new approach to regulating employment and labour markets," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 10(2), pages 166-186, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:10:y:2004:i:2:p:166-186
    DOI: 10.1177/102425890401000204
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Muffels, Ruud & Wilthagen, Ton & van den Heuvel, Nick, 2002. "Labour market transitions and employment regimes: Evidence on the flexibility-security nexus in transitional labour markets," Discussion Papers, Research Unit: Labor Market Policy and Employment FS I 02-204, WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ruud Muffels & Colin Crouch & Ton Wilthagen, 2014. "Flexibility and security: national social models in transitional labour markets," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 20(1), pages 99-114, February.
    2. Paul Marginson & Maarten Keune & Dorothee Bohle, 2014. "Negotiating the effects of uncertainty? The governance capacity of collective bargaining under pressure," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 20(1), pages 37-51, February.
    3. Rien Huiskamp & Kees Vos, 2011. "Life-course schemes and employability – The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium compared," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 17(4), pages 533-546, November.
    4. Kseniia Bondarevska & Olha Doronina, 2022. "Strategizing Social Security In The Labor Market In The Context Of Transformation Of Key Threats," Baltic Journal of Economic Studies, Publishing house "Baltija Publishing", vol. 8(3).
    5. Oldrich Bubak, 2018. "Flexicurity and the dynamics of the welfare state adjustments," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 24(4), pages 387-404, November.

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