Chapter 3.19 Social policy and employment covers the following areas: labour law, health and safety at work, social dialogue, employment policy and the European Social Fund, social protection and social inclusion, anti-discrimination, and equal opportunities. Employment policy incorporates the EU's strategic objectives of ensuring full employment, good working conditions, high productivity, and social cohesion in line with a "flexible security" policy that combines flexibility and labour market security.

The acquis in the social field includes minimum standards in the areas of labour law, equal treatment of men and women in relation to employment and social security, and occupational health and safety. In addition, special binding rules are laid down to ensure protection against discrimination based on sex, race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion, or belief.