Structural change is a general characteristic of economic development, driven by shifts in relative productivity and demand, technological or socioeconomic changes. To adapt to a changing economic environment, companies undergo restructuring to maintain or improve their competitiveness and, hence, sustainability. While restructuring is essential to the dynamism of the European economy, it can entail difficulties for employees. The ERM annual report 2011 looks at the whole range of instruments available in the EU to mitigate the negative effects that it may have for both companies and employees and introduces around 400 of them in an online database. The ERM annual report also presents an overview and analysis of restructuring activities in Europe as captured by the European Restructuring Monitor (ERM). [Ed.] |