Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
January 14, 2026 Economic development
Global unemployment remains stable, but progress in achieving decent work has effectively stalled, according to the International Labour Organization's (ILO) new report, "World Employment and Social Prospects: Trends to 2026."
According to the report, the global unemployment rate will remain at 4.9 percent in 2026, representing 186 million people. Meanwhile, even more people still lack access to quality work.
“Sustained economic growth and stable unemployment figures must not distract us from the deeper problem: hundreds of millions of workers remain trapped in poverty, informal employment and social exclusion,” said ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo.
Quality of employment is at risk
Nearly 300 million workers continue to live in conditions extreme poverty, earning less than $3 a day. At the same time, informal employment is growing: by 2026, 2.1 billion people will be working without social protection, labor rights, or job guarantees.
Progress has been particularly slow in low-income countries, where workers with the worst working conditions are further disadvantaged.
The report's authors emphasize that the slowdown in the transition of economies to more high-tech industries and services remains a major obstacle to improving productivity and job quality.
Youth and the Risks of AI
The situation of youth is also alarming. The youth unemployment rate has risen to 12.4 percent by 2025. Around 260 million young people worldwide are not in education, employment, or training.
In low-income countries, the proportion of such young people reaches 27.9 percent.
ILO warns that artificial intelligence and automation may worsen the situation, especially for educated youth in high-income countries.
"While the full impact of AI on youth employment is not yet known, its potential scale warrants close attention," the report notes.
Gender inequality persists
Women still face systemic barriers, associated with social norms and stereotypes. They account for only two-fifths of global employment and are 24 percent less likely to participate in the labor market than men. Progress in increasing women's participation in the labor force has virtually stalled.
Demographic changes
Population aging in rich countries is slowing labor force growth, while in low-income countries, rapid population growth is not being accompanied by the creation of sufficient productive jobs.
In 2026, employment growth is projected to be:
0.5 percent in upper-middle-income countries; 1.8 percent in lower-middle-income countries; 3.1 percent in low-income countries.
The ILO warns that without sufficient quality jobs, poor countries risk missing out on their demographic dividend.
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This refers to the benefit a country can gain when the share of the working-age population grows faster than the share of dependents, provided that jobs are created and investments are made in education and health care.
Trade instability
Global trade disruptions are increasing uncertainty in labor markets. Unclear trade rules and supply chain disruptions are reducing workers' incomes, particularly in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Europe.
At the same time, trade remains a major source of employment, providing jobs for 465 million people worldwide, more than half of whom live in the Asia-Pacific region.
The report highlights that export industries in low- and middle-income countries often offer higher wages, less informal employment, and more opportunities for women and youth.
A call for joint action
The ILO Director-General stressed the need for concerted efforts.
“Unless governments, employers and workers act together to use technology responsibly and expand quality employment opportunities for women and youth – through coordinated institutional measures – the deficit in decent jobs will persist and social cohesion will be at risk,” said Gilbert Houngbo.
ILO experts call for:
Invest in skills, education, and infrastructure to boost productivity; reduce employment gaps for youth and women; ensure that global trade promotes decent employment in all regions; and mitigate risks from debt, AI, and trade uncertainty through policy coherence.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.