Number of hours worked in second quarter of 2019 exceeded 2008 level, according to Commission study

20/09/2019 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 20 September, the European Commission published its quarterly review on Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE). With 241.4 million people in employment in the EU and 160 million in the euro area in the second quarter of 2019, the figures remain positive despite the gloomy economic climate: the EU is recording its 25^th consecutive month of employment rate growth. Moreover, "total hours worked have now slightly exceeded the previous peak of 2008", the European Commission was pleased to announce. Permanent jobs, for example, increased by 2.5 million compared to the same quarter of the previous year. "Never before have so many people been in employment in the EU", said Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner Marianne Thyssen, ending her term on a positive note. (PH)