This report is divided into three chapters as follows. Chapter I traces the evolution over the last decade of the discussions at the ILO on the employment relationship, including the discussions on contract labour in 1997 and 1998, the 2000 Meeting of Experts on Workers in Situations Needing Protection and the 2003 general discussion. It also summarizes the most pertinent issues identified by the 39 national studies conducted in 1999-2001. Chapter II provides an overview of trends and problems in regard to the manner in which the general aspects of the employment relationship are regulated inches.