Employment and Social Trends 2026
This report examines the state of global labour markets, highlighting stable headline employment alongside stalled progress in job quality and widening inequalities. The report analyses productivity, demographic and economic pressures shaping work in the year ahead and outlines the challenges to achieving more inclusive growth.
The complex link between education and labour underutilization
On World Youth Skills Day, we explore the hardships of university graduates to find decent jobs around the world.
Youth NEET rate
This snapshot presents global and regional trends along with the most recent country-level figures, based on the latest statistical standards and definitions adopted at the 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS) (ILO, 2013), as well as the previous standards from the 13th ICLS (ILO, 1982). In some cases, such as for high-income countries, these […]
Unemployment rate
This snapshot presents global and regional trends along with the most recent country-level figures, based on the latest statistical standards and definitions adopted at the 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS) (ILO, 2013), as well as the previous standards from the 13th ICLS (ILO, 1982). In some cases, such as for high-income countries, these […]
Quick guide on the communication of results after implementation of latest standards on statistics of work, employment, and labour underutilization
A crucial aspect of the implementation of latest labour statistics standards is the effective communication of the results, to ensure getting the best out of the data. This guide aims to provide practical data visualization examples to convey clearly and intuitively the impact of methodological changes on key labour indicators following the implementation of the 19th ICLS resolution and avoid misinterpretation of the results.
How the latest statistical standards improve knowledge about rural women’s work
Latest statistical standards improve our knowledge of the challenges and decent work deficits that women in rural areas face. Such knowledge is key to formulating effective policies that foster the women’s potential for growth and development.
The plight of older workers in labour underutilization
The International Day of Older Persons gives us an opportunity to delve into the labour underutilization patterns of seniors. While their unemployment rates are generally rather low, they are hiding other more prevalent forms of labour underutilization including job-search discouragement.
Elevate your labour statistics: Why Convention No. 160 is a must-ratify
Learn how the ratification of ILO Convention on labour statistics boosts national data systems and helps to shape policymaking that promotes decent work and social justice.
Strengthening labour statistics: Quick guide to C160 ratification and data reporting
This quick guide highlights the benefits of ratifying ILO Convention No. 160 on labour statistics and explains the ratification process as well as reporting obligations following ratification.
Women are more likely than men to want a job but not have one
Measures of joblessness that reflect the most urgent need for employment (such as unemployment) point to moderate differences between women and men. Yet, broader measures of joblessness point to much larger gender disparities – particularly in developing countries.