Does Working Time Matter? Convergence in the European Union.

Abstract

The paper focuses on the disparities between the European Union member states (EU28). The aim of this paper is to combine quantitative indicator (GDP per capita in purchasing power parity) and quality-oflife indicator (quality of employment expressed by average real working time) approach to identify regional disparities and regional convergence or divergence in the European Union. By the means of ß-convergence and s-convergence, authors analysed disparities in two indicators - GDP per capita in PPP (in 2000 - 2018) and real working time of employees and self-employed persons (in 2008 - 2019). For the analysis, authors used official statistical data from Eurostat. The results of the analysis show that there is divergence of GDP per capita in EU28 (reliable linear trend line) and, at the same time, convergence of the real working time of both employees and self-employed persons (however, only weak reliability of the linear trend line). The research was limited by the fact, that there are limited data available for analysis (time series of 19 years for GDP per capita and only 12 years for real working time). It will be necessary to continue with the research and to verify convergence or divergence in longer period. The paper also suggests that not only GDP should be used as an indicator of the regional convergence or divergence, but also other indicators, especially those related to the quality of life.