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Enrique Fernández-Macías

Enrique Fernández-Macías is a Researcher working in the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission in Sevilla. He holds a PhD in Economic Sociology by the University of Salamanca, and his main research interests are job quality, technology & occupational change and the division of labour. Before joining the JRC, he worked in the University of Salamanca and Eurofound (Dublin).

The Algorithmic Workplace: How Platformisation Is Reshaping Work in Europe

Ignacio Gonzalez-Vazquez, Enrique Fernández-Macías, Sally Wright and Davide Villani

New evidence reveals that data-driven management now shapes how millions work across Europe—with profound implications for autonomy and well-being.

The Real Digital Revolution At Work: Why Platformisation Matters More Than Robots

Enrique Fernández-Macías, Ignacio Gonzalez-Vazquez, Laura Nurski and Sergio Torrejon Perez

The digital transformation of work isn't destroying jobs through automation—it's fundamentally reshaping how work is organised, managed and controlled.

Why Haven’t Full-Time Workers Cut Hours Since the 1980s?

Sergio Torrejon Perez, Enrique Fernández-Macías and Ignacio Gonzalez-Vazquez

Full-time workers in Europe still clock the same hours as in the 1980s.

Robots, jobs and the future of work

Enrique Fernández-Macías, David Klenert and José-Ignacio Antón

Apocalyptic visions of robots stealing workers’ jobs are not only misguided but have diverted attention from more significant trends.

Are Blue-Collar Jobs Turning White?

Martina Bisello and Enrique Fernández-Macías

Manual jobs in European manufacturing are being transformed as blue-collar workers take on more intellectual tasks. This is a consequence of the increasing use of

Europe’s Shrinking Middle Class

Carlos Vacas-Soriano and Enrique Fernández-Macías

The Great Recession depressed real income levels across European countries. But the impact was very unequal across countries and income groups. Countries in the European

EU Income Inequality And The Great Recession

Carlos Vacas-Soriano and Enrique Fernández-Macías

EU-wide income inequality declined notably prior to 2008, driven by a strong process of income convergence between European countries. The Great Recession broke this trend.

Fewer Routine Jobs But More Routine Work

Martina Bisello and Enrique Fernández-Macías

In the digital age, there are fewer routine jobs because of a higher risk of automation. But a great paradox of this age is this:

Job Polarisation In Europe: Are Mid-Skilled Jobs Disappearing?

Enrique Fernández-Macías

If we look at what kinds of jobs have expanded most in recent years, we can split European countries into two: those that experienced job

An EU Perspective On Wage Inequality

Enrique Fernández-Macías

In the years before the financial crisis of 2008, there was a significant reduction in overall EU wage inequality, driven by economic convergence between rich

ETUI advertisement

HESA Magazine Cover

Back to school with HesaMag 30: the leading European magazine on occupational safety and health explores teachers’ deteriorating working conditions. With field reporting, expert voices and trade union analysis, plus insights into EU policy shifts, discover why teachers’ health is key to our future.

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Eurofound advertisement

Ageing workforce
Virtual event - Skills and jobs: How SMEs go digital

The 25 million SMEs in the EU drive growth, innovation, jobs, and digitalisation. Embracing digital technology can boost efficiency, market reach, and support climate and social goals. To celebrate their 50th anniversary, Cedefop and Eurofound will host a joint virtual event, presenting research on digitalisation policies and the state of digital SMEs in Europe. The event will explore challenges, support measures, and how digitalisation affects job quality, including the role of algorithmic management in work organisation and conditions.

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Foundation for European Progressive Studies Advertisement

Spring Issues

Read the new book “Algorithmic rule”!”

The future is not simply digital; it is algorithmic. Read the new book “Algorithmic rule”, edited by Maja Fjaestad and Simon Vinge.
The book explores what can be described as algocracy – rule by algorithms.
We need a progressive algorithmic future – an alternative that resists surrendering sovereignty to Big Tech. Transparency is essential, but it is not enough; the deeper challenge is to ensure that citizens and workers themselves influence the algorithms that govern them.

This book is part of the FEPS–Nordic Digital Programme.

READ NOW

Hans Böckler Stiftung Advertisement

WSI Report

WSI Minimum Wage Report 2025

The trend towards significant nominal minimum wage increases is continuing this year. In view of falling inflation rates, this translates into a sizeable increase in purchasing power for minimum wage earners in most European countries. Most EU countries are now following the reference values for adequate minimum wages enshrined in the European Minimum Wage Directive, which are 60% of the median wage or 50% of the average wage.

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT

S&D Group in the European Parliament advertisement

Cohesion Policy

S&D Position Paper on Cohesion Policy post-2027: a resilient future for European territorial equity

Cohesion Policy seeks to foster balanced development and reduce economic, social, and territorial disparities, focusing on rural areas, regions in industrial transition, and those with severe or permanent natural or demographic disadvantages, including outermost, sparsely populated, island, cross-border, and mountain regions.

READ THE PAPER HERE

S&D Group in the European Parliament advertisement

Health

🇪🇺 Building a Resilient, Equitable EU Health Union: The S&D Blueprint


From securing pharmaceutical autonomy and guaranteeing universal access to care (the European Health Guarantee) to combatting non-communicable diseases and closing the Gender Health Gap. Read the S&D Group in the European Parliament Position Paper demanding that health becomes a priority across all EU policies.

READ THE POSITION PAPER

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