Global Unemployment Stays Stable Despite Shortage of Decent Jobs

Global Unemployment Remains Stable, but Decent Jobs Are Hard to Find

According to a recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the global unemployment rate remains stable at around 4.9%, equivalent to approximately 186 million people without work. However, progress towards decent jobs is stagnant, and young people continue to face challenges in a labor market threatened by artificial intelligence and uncertainty in trade policies.

Over 300 million workers live in extreme poverty, earning less than $3 a day. It is estimated that approximately 2.1 billion people will work in the informal sector this year, with limited access to social protection, workplace rights, and job security.

For youth in low-income countries, the situation is described as "discouraging," with over a quarter (27.9%) not engaged in education, work, or training. The employment rate for young people is threatened by AI and automation, with warnings about the impact these technologies may have on their job prospects.

Regarding gender disparities, women continue to be disadvantaged in the labor market. Data shows that social norms and stereotypes are deeply rooted, and previous advances have stalled, meaning women today are 24% less likely than men to participate in the workforce.

ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo has called for coordinated actions and stronger institutions to promote decent work and social justice, especially in poorer economies that risk being left behind. "If governments, employers, and workers do not act together to use technology responsibly and expand quality job opportunities for women and youth, deficits in decent work will persist, and social cohesion will be threatened," Mr. Houngbo stated.