Service Sector The Biggest Employer In Europe

The latest Labour Force Survey from Eurostat says that almost 70% of employed persons in the EU27 were employed in the service sector in 2011. The latest figure compares with 62% in 2000. Market services accounted for 39%, non-market services 30%, industry and construction 25% and agriculture 5%. Market services includes trade and transportation, financial services, administration and support services, professional and scientific services, accomodation and food services and non-market services include public administration, arts, entertainment and recreation, education and health.

Qualifications And Earnings Link Still There

People with the highest qualifications are still earning more according to data from the Labour Force Survey carried out by the ONS. The pay gap is lower comparing those educated to GCSE or equivalent with those educated to a higher level in 2010 than in 1993. Employees with a minimum of a degree earned 85% more (95% in 1993), with higher education qualifications (not a degree) earned 45% more (54% in 1993) and those with 'A' level or equivalent 15% more (18% in 1993). The pay gap with those with no formal educational qualifications remained fairly stable at about 20% less than those with GCSEs. The increase in the number of people with degrees has had an impact on the kinds of jobs the group performs and means that they are now more likely to work in lower skilled jobs.

The survey covers people aged between 22-64 as most people have finished their formal education by this time. People with GCSEs increased from 17% to 20% between 1993 and 2010. The percentage of people with a degree increased from 12% in 1993 to 25% in 2010, more than double. The number of people with no formal qualification has fallen from 25% in 1993 to 11% in 2010.

Employment In EU27 Is 64.6% In 2009

Data from the 2009 Labour Force Survey published by Eurostat show that the employment rate for people aged 15-64 fell to 64.6% in the EU27 in 2009 from 65.9% in 2008 after rising steadily from 62.4% in 2002. The rate for women fell for the first time since 2000 to 58.6% from 59.1% in 2008. the 55-64 age group increased again to 46% from 36.9% in 2000 and 45.6% in 2008.