This paper argues that the reliance of New Labour on a ‘social inclusion through employment' approach, especially in lower-income areas, is problematic. This is due to the significant gap between actual employment rates and a full-employment scenario in such areas, its uni-dimensional view...

Introduction -- The EU social policy context -- The EU fundamental social rights landscape -- The EU constitutional framework -- Implementing the objective of combating poverty and social exclusion under EU Law -- General conclusions.