Indian Labour carries pile of bricks on his head
According to the World Employment and Social Outlook Trends 2023 report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Covid-19 pandemic has severely impacted the world of work, resulting in widespread job losses, increased poverty and growing inequality.
The report indicated that global working hours declined by an estimated 8.8 per cent in 2020, equivalent to the loss of 255 million full-time jobs.
Global unemployment and inequalities.
The pandemic exacerbated global unemployment and inequality, with 473 million globally jobless. This included 205 million who were unemployed and actively searching for jobs and 268 million who were not currently looking for a job, but still needed one.
In 2022, the global labour force participation rate for women was 47 per cent compared to 72 per cent for men, suggesting a staggering gender gap in employment. Furthermore, young adults (aged 15-24) faced three times the unemployment rate of adults and struggled to secure decent jobs; one in five remained unemployed and not enrolled in any education or training.
Informal work sector and extreme poverty
Globally, two billion people worked in the informal sector, where they typically had fewer job protections and no access to social safety nets. This was particularly true in rural areas.
The report shared that 214 million people live in extreme poverty, despite being employed. The Covid-19 pandemic made it even more difficult for workers in these sectors to access protections and safety nets, exacerbating their challenges.
The report shared that 214 million people live in extreme poverty, despite being employed. The Covid-19 pandemic made it even more difficult for workers in these sectors to access protections and safety nets, exacerbating their challenges.
Addressing the impact of technology on training
Amid these challenges, the report spotlighted how technological advancements, specifically automation and artificial intelligence, further impacted employment.
To help workers navigate the ever-evolving labour market, the paper called for investment in education and training programmes that provided workers with the necessary skills to adapt to evolving industry demands.
It highlighted the need to invest in education and training programmes – with an extra US$3.2 trillion needed to help workers adapt to the changing job market in the next five years.
Human-centric approach key in labour issues
Considering the challenges, the paper called for social dialogue and collaboration between governments, employers, and unions to address these pressing issues. It advocated for a human-centric approach to the world of work, where social protection, labour rights, and decent work took centre stage in policy responses.
The report urged international cooperation during crises and a new global social contract to address decent work and social justice deficits.
In response, the ILO planned to launch a ‘Global Coalition for Social Justice’ programme this year to promote decent work and social justice by strengthening global solidarity, improving policy coherence, and bringing about action and investment for decent work and social justice.
Let us work together towards creating a better future for all workers!
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