Low-paid jobs, minimum wages and the future of care work in Europe

Low-paid jobs, minimum wages and the future of care work in Europe

Published by Eurofound in September 2026, the report “Low-paid jobs: Employment trends and impact of minimum wage policies” examines how low-paid employment has evolved across EU Member States between 2001 and 2024 and whether rising minimum wages have influenced employment structures. Using a jobs-based approach, the report finds that Europe’s labour market has generally been moving towards higher-paid and higher-skilled employment, although some elements of job polarisation remain. Overall, low-paid jobs grew in absolute numbers, but their share of total employment declined, suggesting that better-paid occupations expanded more quickly. 

Health and social care is one of the fastest-growing low-paid sectors

One of the report’s most significant findings is the strong growth of health and social care workers, a category that includes personal care workers supporting older people, children and persons with disabilities in residential and community settings. Between 2011 and 2024, employment in these jobs increased by around 24%, and growth was even stronger when looking across the longer 2001–2024 period. Unlike many other low-paid occupations, health and social care jobs continued to expand across most European countries, reflecting demographic changes, rising demand for care services and the growing need for long-term support.

Care work remains undervalued despite its social importance

The report highlights that low-paid jobs are concentrated in a small number of sectors, including health and social care. It notes that wages in care occupations often remain low despite their high social value, reflecting historical undervaluation of care work, limited collective bargaining coverage in some countries and the concentration of women in the sector. 

Minimum wage increases can support better job quality, but are not enough on their own

Eurofound finds evidence that increases in minimum wages are associated with a gradual shift away from the lowest-paid jobs and towards higher-paid occupations. A 1% increase in the real minimum wage was associated with a reduction in the employment share of the lowest-paid jobs and a small increase in the share of the highest-paid jobs. However, the report stresses that minimum wages alone cannot address broader workforce challenges. Complementary investments in skills, training, technology and work organisation are needed to help employers absorb higher wage costs while improving job quality and productivity. 

Policy implications for disability service providers

The report concludes that targeted interventions are particularly effective because low-paid work is concentrated in a limited number of occupations and sectors, including care services. The findings underline the importance of workforce strategies that combine adequate pay with professional development opportunities and career progression pathways. As demand for support services continues to grow across Europe, improving the attractiveness and sustainability of care jobs will be essential to ensuring high-quality support for persons with disabilities. 

Eurofound report “Low-paid jobs: employment trends and impact of minimum wage policies” available here.