Flexicurity and Belgian labour law (FLEXICURITY)

Persons :

• Prof. dr.  HENDRICKX Frank - Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven)
  Coordinator of the project
  Financed belgian partner
  Duration: 1/10/2008-30/9/2009
  
• Prof. dr.  STRUYVEN Ludo - Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven)
  Financed belgian partner
  Duration: 1/10/2008-30/9/2009
  
• Prof. dr.  WILTHAGEN Ton - Universiteit van Tilburg (UNI-TILB)
  Not-financed foreign partner
  Duration: 1/10/2008-30/9/2009
  

Description :

This project concerns the relationship between Belgian labour law and flexicurity.

The general aim is to find out (i) whether and to what extent Belgian labour law meets the requirements flexicurity calls for and (ii) in what way(s) Belgian labour law should be adjusted to better fit the flexicurity requirements in order that it contributes to an optimally, or at least a better, functioning labour market.

This genera aim is met using a three-step research structure.
The first stage consists of reconstructing the starting point. Its two targets are (i) to make explicit the theoretical relationship between labour law and flexicurity and (ii) to get an accurate flexicurity-view on the condition of the Belgian labour market.
The second stage consists of a legal and sociological analysis of the theory and practice of Belgian labour law. The third stage identifies possible labour and employment related issues of a Belgian flexicurity pathway.

The methodology of this research proposal is interdisciplinary. It combines a classical legal analysis with sociological methodology. In doing so, special attention is given to the relationship between European policy and Belgian labour law on the one hand and the relationship between sociology and labour and employment law on the other hand (reflexive labour law).

The intended research output consists of a comprehensive state of affairs and a legal-sociological analysis of the flexicurity concept in Belgian labour law in itself and in its relation to social security law. The legal analysis is emphasized, be it that it is embedded in a broader policy-scholarly and sociological perspective. Moreover, this research is practically-oriented and aims at identifying labour law related elements for the elaboration of a Belgian flexicurity pathway.

The research results will be laid down in research reports.

Documentation :

Onderzoek en evaluatie van het effect van het indienen van het concept "flexicurity" zoals bepaald door de Europese Raad in het Belgisch arbeidsrecht : eindrapport    Brussel: Federaal Wetenschapsbeleid, 2010 (SP2193)
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