Concepts and definitions

New standards, increased visibility: improving measurement of the informal economy

New statistical standards will improve the measurement of the informal economy, providing more useful and complete data to address informality through targeted policies.

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Table of contents

Database descriptions

Concise descriptions of concepts and definitions, uses, sources and limitations

Classifications

Country groupings and international classifications used in labour statistics

Resolutions and guidelines

Statistical standards adopted by the ICLS

Work and labour underutilization

Informal economy

Industrial relations

Hours, pay and prices

Child labour and forced labour

Other topics

Guides and manuals

In-depth guidance on producing and using labour statistics, including applying international standards

National sources and methods

Definitions and methods used for official labour statistics

Volume 1: Consumer price indices (2013)

Volume 2: Establishment surveys (2012) – Employment, wages, hours of work and labour cost

Volume 3A: Household surveys (2004) – Economically active population, employment, unemployment and hours of work

Volume 3B: Labour force surveys (2011) – Source of statistics of the labour force and its components

Volume 4: Administrative records and related sources (2004) – Employment, unemployment, wages and hours of work

Volume 5: Population censuses (2004) – Total and economically active population, employment and unemployment

Volume 6: Household income and expenditure statistics (2003)

Volume 7: Strikes and lockouts (1999)

Volume 8: Occupational injuries (1999)

Volume 9: International labour migration (2020)

Volume 10: Disability statistics (2015)

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ILOSTAT

  • The leading source of labour statistics
The ILO Department of Statistics is the focal point to the United Nations on labour statistics. We develop international standards for better measurement of labour issues and enhanced international comparability; provide relevant, timely and comparable labour statistics; and help Member States develop and improve their labour statistics.
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