In all other remaining domains, the group of Southern countries recorded the highest frequency of reforms, most notably in the EPL domain.
It reveals an increased frequency of reforms addressing the EPL regime for permanent contracts since 2006, with measures pointing in both directions.
A higher unemployment rate and the presence of a large negative output gap are associated with a higher frequency of reforms, although results depend on the specific policy domain, the relation being strong especially for active labour market policies, EPL, early retirement and retirement age reforms, and wage setting reforms.
Reforms concerning labour taxes and unemployment and other welfare benefits were generally aimed at raising generosity at the start of the crisis, but the direction changed since 2010: the tightening of government budgets translated into a higher frequency of reforms raising the tax wedge or reducing benefits generosity.
Figure 7 shows the frequency and direction of reforms in policy fields within the unemployment benefits domain.
In other words, the probability of avoiding healthcare if sick did not change after the reform; the reform also did not change the frequency of doctor visits.
Hardly the language of reform.
America is dotted with examples of reform.
It is in dire need of reform.
Signs of reform were abundant that spring.
