Free Market?

The Law Society Gazette this week reports on movement by the EU to "investigate" restrictive practices in various European labour markets. Apparently, in Germany the "profession" of chimney sweeps is protected by law and there are restrictions on the number of chimney sweep practices in any one region and on the number of employees they can take on.

Whilst I am delighted that the EU is doing something to promote free movement of labour, why is this only happening now and what is there to investigate?

The serious part of the article is in respect of European notaries who have a monopoly on conveyancing in many countries. Again, this is indefensible - but the EU is launching a "study" of the issue - millions of euros later and what's the bet nothing changes?