The report analyzes changes occurring on the labour market in the countries undergoing transformations from a centrally planned to a market economy. The most negative social phenomenon accompanying the transformation process is unemployment. Its certain characteristics are common for many countries. Similarities can also be found in population groups particularly threatened by unemployment, or in shares of persons remaining without work for a long time. A stable characteristic of the labour market has become the escape into the informal sector. This phenomenon is most disturbing in Russia, as it largely concerns young people. A common characteristic of all countries under study is feminization of problems connected with unemployment. This issue is analyzed on the example of Poland, Russia and the former GDR. The solving of unemployment problems must be individualized in particular countries due to its different causes and structure, as well as differences in funds which can be allocated for this purpose. Zadanie pt. „Digitalizacja i udostępnienie w Cyfrowym Repozytorium Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego kolekcji czasopism naukowych wydawanych przez Uniwersytet Łódzki” nr 885/P-DUN/2014 dofinansowane zostało ze środków MNiSW w ramach działalności upowszechniającej naukę.