Global Job Quality Stagnates Amid Resilient Growth: ILO Report 2026 📈

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) warns that while global unemployment remains stable at 4.9% (approx. 186 million people), progress toward decent work has stalled, particularly affecting youth and women. • Global Outlook & Informality Global unemployment projected to hold steady through 2026, yet 2.1 billion workers will remain in informal employment. Nearly 300 million workers live in extreme poverty, earning less than US$ 3.00 per day. Lower-middle-income economies (including Sri Lanka’s peer group) are projected to see employment growth of 1.8%. • Youth & Gender Gaps Youth unemployment rose to 12.4% in 2025; over 260 million youth are currently "NEET" (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). Women are 24% less likely than men to participate in the labor force, accounting for only two-fifths of global employment. • Trade & Technology Impacts Trade remains a vital job creator, supporting 465 million workers, with over 50% located in Asia and the Pacific. Digitally delivered services, such as ICT/BPM, now represent 14.5% of global exports. The ILO identifies Artificial Intelligence (AI) and trade policy uncertainty as emerging risks that could displace educated youth in high-skill occupations. • Key Recommendations Invest in skills and infrastructure to boost productivity. Leverage export-linked sectors to provide better pay and lower informality for women and youth. Coordinate global policies to mitigate risks from AI and rising national debt. _Source: ILO Employment and Social Trends 2026 (Provisional Data)_