The likely impact of the EMU on the variability and level of employment is analysed. The major conclusions are: (1) Although an inflation-target regime will constrain monetary policy of a non-participant in the EMU, it still leaves considerable scope for exchange rate chages in the case of...

The paper demonstrates that policy makers have a precautionary motive to undertake more labour-market reform - and hence attain lower equilibrium unemployment - inside a monetary union than outside. The reason is a desire to reduce the utility cost of variations in employment when asymmetric...