The long-term care sector: Labour mobility and enforcement challenges

The long-term care sector is central to Europe’s social model, but it is under growing pressure from ageing populations and persistent labour shortages. This ELA Strategic Analysis explores labour mobility, working conditions and enforcement challenges in long-term care across the EU and EEA. It shows who works in the sector, how cross-border recruitment functions, and where gaps in protection remain, especially in domestic and live-in care. The report highlights the crucial role of mobile workers in meeting rising care needs. At the same time, it points to structural challenges, including low pay, long and irregular working hours, and limited enforcement capacity.
Based on EU and national data and extensive stakeholder consultations, the report offers insights for experts from enforcement authorities and other practitioners.