Abstract
This study analyses the extent, structure and development of non-standard employment (NSE) in Europe as well as its consequences on economic performance and social inclusion. In this study, we follow the definition of NSE used by the ILO, which includes part-time work, temporary work (fixed or project based contracts, casual labour, minijobs or even zero-hour contracts), triangular employment relationships through temporary agencies or subcontracting companies, but also include self-employment. Self-employment is a still a relatively small employment category in Europe when compared with wage employment, but it has nonetheless risen recently. Its rise should be understood within the context of the diversification of work, in particular own-account work.