Bibliography

The aim of this report is to provide a rigorous analysis on how employment relations affect different population groups, and how this knowledge may help identify and promote worldwide effective policies and institutional changes to reduce health inequalities derived from these employment relations. Systematic reviews were conducted of the scientific and grey literature available on the topic, but there were major limitations in the reviews The report found that high levels of unemployment correlated with poor health and increased mortality and that precariously employed employees suffer adverse health effects through the action of material or social deprivation and hazardous work environments. A growing number of studies have also shown that health problems are one of the main negative effects of child labour. Politics are a fundamental cause of health inequalities but also their only remedy, so the report has devoted considerable effort to a political analysis of the situation. Its recommendations place considerable emphasis on social welfare (poverty alleviation, universal education and public health facilities, government inspectorates) and regulation of labour markets (international standards/agreements, laws and enforcement). The combination of union and community pressure will play a vital role in ensuring government action to improve employment conditions for all workers.