More flexible approach would have saved jobs, says EU

THE number of people losing their jobs in Ireland could have been less had the Government and employers adopted a more flexible approach, an EU study suggests.

Ireland, Spain and Portugal responded to the economic crisis solely by shedding jobs and young people have been particularly badly affected, an EU study has found.

Other countries such as Germany, Austria and Belgium reduced the number of hours being worked and cut productivity while France gave employers subsidies and so saved jobs. They are now in a better position to take advantage of the recovery, said Employment Commissioner Lazlo Andor launching the report.