This book starts by examining the state of the stable employment relationship in the context of rapid globalization and technological change. Mass dismissals, high unemployment, the rise of part-time and temporary jobs reveal that work in the new labour market is very different from that of the past. However, the authors put forward convincing evidence that the long-term employment relationship is more resilient than commonly thought. While offering comparative analysis of employment stability and flexibility in 16 OECD countries, this study then provides a detailed analysis on the type of labour market regulations needed to ensure a balance of employment flexibility and security. In particular, it studies the linkages between employment protection and labour market policies in four countries, Denmark, France, Japan and the United States.
