GENERAL EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION IN SELECTED EUROPEAN COUNTRIES - A COMMENT

In a recently published article Hardes (University of Trier) examines theoretical and empirical aspects of dismissal protection under European labour law. The theoretical arguments are in his eyes ambiguous; the empirical data show only minimal effects of recent deregulation policies in Europe. In this comment, these results are called into question. Hardes' arguments in favour of regulation are not based on carefully analysed market failure situations and he neglects possible effects on product markets. The deregulation policies in the European Communiy seem too weak to judge their empirical effects.