Is that job offer really safe? How to spot a quality job before you sign

You received that coveted job offer. But before you celebrate, ask yourself one crucial question: does it actually offer the job security you need?

Europe’s labour markets have shifted dramatically over the last two decades. Full-time permanent contracts are still the norm, but part-time and temporary arrangements have multiplied. While these can genuinely offer better work–life balance, they can also mask insecurity. In fact, according to a recent report, 19 % of EU jobs could now be classified as vulnerable – a mix of inadequate income, employment insecurity and a lack of workplace rights.

Who is most at risk

A temporary or part-time contract doesn’t automatically mean a bad job. Vulnerability creeps in when these arrangements are involuntary, or when several shaky features are combined, for example a forced part-time role on a fixed-term contract with unpredictable hours.

Vulnerabilities aren’t evenly spread. Spain (29 %), Portugal (25 %) and Luxembourg (25 %) report the highest levels of vulnerability, while Hungary (17 %), Malta (18 %) and Bulgaria (18 %) sit at the lower end. In countries like Germany and Austria, the main worry is low pay; in Mediterranean and Nordic countries, it’s employment insecurity.

Unsurprisingly, women, young workers, people with lower qualifications and migrants are most affected. The good news? Each additional year of work experience cuts your risk of vulnerability by around one percentage point – a powerful reminder that building a career track record genuinely protects you.

Red flags and green lights

Before you sign, think about the following:

A written contract. Based on EU law, every job must come with a written contract outlining your working conditions, and you should receive the key details within a week of starting.
Permanent or fixed term? Check the contract type and duration, and whether a temporary status is genuinely temporary or a way to avoid giving you rights.
Real, predictable pay. Confirm you’re not being paid below the minimum wage and that earnings are predictable – not purely commission or based on zero-hours contracts (with no guaranteed working hours).
Declared, legal work. Make sure the role is properly declared and that you’ll have social security.
Training and progression. Will you get access to training and development? Vulnerable jobs offer none – a major warning sign.
Autonomy and flexibility. Look for genuine control over your tasks, and reasonable working times.

Don’t search alone: EURES has your back

Assessing an offer is far easier when you know what’s typical and legal in the country you’re moving to. That’s exactly what the EURES Living and working conditions section is for. For any destination, it breaks down local contract norms, minimum wages, working-time rules and social security, so you can compare an offer against the national standard rather than guessing. If you have any questions, you can reach out to a EURES Adviser for further information and guidance. Search smart, check the fine print and don’t settle for a job that leaves you vulnerable.

Also, read the EURES article about how being legally employed benefits you, your employer and the economy.

‘Living and working conditions in Europe’

Declared work benefits all – here’s why it matters to you

Directive (EU) 2019/1152 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on transparent and predictable working conditions in the European Union

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