Employmentweb_low

EMployMEnt, Work, And hEAlth InEqUAlItIES - a global perspective
There is a lack of theoretical and empirical work on the
mechanisms and explanations linking employment conditions to
poor health outcomes. For example, more longitudinal empirical
research and reviews are needed relating to issues such as the
mechanisms mediating between employment dimensions, their
interrelationships and several health outcomes. Most studies of
employment dimensions should stratify by social class, gender, age,
ethnicity, race and migration status. There is also a need to
investigate externalities and spill-over effects on the health of other
workers, families, children and the community.
Another important area in need of further research is the
evaluation of employment policies and other employment
interventions to reduce health inequalities.
While much more research is essential, enough is currently
known for effective public health action.
11.2 RECoMMEnDATions
Cross-cutting proposals
While interventions on employment conditions need to be conducted
at the organisational and job level, “upstream” action on
employment and working conditions (especially through labour
market regulations, social policies and workplace standards) is
expected to be more effective in reducing health inequalities and
should be the key focus of action. leaving the health consequences
of employment conditions as an afterthought or “downstream”
consideration in trade, business practices or public health
interventions will perpetuate the existing health inequalities caused
by unfair employment and the lack of decent working conditions.
General strategies combining policies at different entry points
(power relations, employment, working conditions and ill-health
workers) need to be specified and contextualised for each territory
(international, country/region, urban/rural local areas), condition,
and population. specific recommendations on policies and
interventions should be tailored according to the typology of
countries developed in this study, as well as by the specific
characteristics of each country, region and territory.
To achieve better employment and working conditions, public
economic, social and health policies and interventions require the
implementation of integrated inter-sectoral actions and
programmes, where policy-makers, government, workers and
community organisations need to be actively engaged.
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