In this field SEOR has built both nationally and internationally a reputation through contract research, advice and scientific research. Scientific research takes shape through the Foundation for Labour Market Policy that forms a vital link with the Erasmus School of Economics.

This cluster is occupied with the following themes:

• Evaluation and monitoring of policy in the fields of labour market, education and social security;
• Evaluation of European programmes such as ESF and EQUAL;
• Reintegration policy and reintegration market;
• Labour market position of specific groups such as the handicapped and long term unemployed;
• Segregation of the labour market by gender;
• Labour market and the increase of the ageing population;
• Labour market transitions and use of social benefits during the life course;
• Determinants of supply and demand on the labour market;
• Wage formation and unemployment;
• The connection between education and the labour market;
• Human capital, innovation and labour productivity;
• Technology, ICT and labour market;
• Labour market forecasts.

Research varies from qualitative (e.g. research of supervised work in the Work Creation Scheme for the Handicapped) to quantitative (e.g. econometric research of effects of sanctions on the reintegration of those entitled to a benefit).

The transitional labour market is an important connecting theme in which themes such as labour market transitions, increase of the ageing population, social security and labour market policy come together. SEOR works together with others in an international collaboration in this field.

Within the cluster ‘Labour Market, Education and Social Security’ the accent lies on research for Dutch clients and the European Commission, but apart from this advisory and training projects are carried out especially in eastern European countries (Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, the Russian Federation and the Slovak Republic).