Regional employment and individual worklessness during the Great Recession and the health of the working-age population: Cross-national analysis of 16 European countries

Studies from single countries suggest that local labour market conditions, including rates of employment, tend to be associated with the health of the populations residing in those areas, even after adjustment for individual characteristics including employment status. The aim of this study is to strengthen the cross-national evidence base on the influence of regional employment levels and individual worklessness on health during the period of the Great Recession. The study investigates whether higher regional employment levels are associated with better health over and above individual level employment. The findings suggest that across 16 European countries, for some key outcomes, higher levels of employment in the regional labour market may be beneficial for the health of the local population.

Authors: C. L. Niedzwiedzab, K. H. Thomson, C. Bambra, J. R.Pearce

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