Research and data
ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations

Research and data

The ILO publishes research on important labour market trends and issues to inform constituents, policy-makers and the public about the realities of employment in the globalized economy and the issues facing workers and employers in developing, transition and industrialized economies.

Labour statistics and data play an essential role in the efforts of member States in achieving decent work for all and for the ILO's support of these efforts. Statistics and supporting databases are needed for the development and evaluation of effective policies and to assess progress towards the goal of achieving decent work for all. The ILO supports member States in the collection and dissemination of reliable, up-to-date, gender- and age-disaggregated labour market statistics based on international standards and definitions. More broadly, the ILO collaborates with national ministries, statistical offices and social partners in the development of Labour and Social Trends reports.

Through the EU-funded “Monitoring and Assessing Progress on Decent Work (MAP)” project, the ILO is assisting member States to strengthen national capacities to measure and analyze decent work indicators and trends. The project works with tripartite constituents, national statistical offices and researchers to identify national decent work indicators, collect data, and generate integrated, policy-oriented analysis. The global project covers ten countries, including Bangladesh, Cambodia and Indonesia in the Asia region.

Selected resources

  1. Asia-Pacific Labour Market Update, April 2012

    Provides a snapshot of recent economic and labour market trends for a number of countries in the Asia-Pacific region, based on official data available as of 17 April 2012.

  2. Decent work in Jakarta: An integrated approach

    This paper analyzes trends in urbanization in Jakarta and details a number of policy initiatives being undertaken in the city on the promotion of decent jobs, skills upgrading, and social protection among others, with a view to supporting urbanization in Indonesia that fosters decent work.

  3. Monetary policy and employment in developing Asia

    This paper assesses the role and challenges of central banks in the Asia region in using monetary policy to promote productive employment and achieve positive labour market outcomes.

  4. Report on the review of the ILO Decent Work Country Programme: Cambodia (2008-2010)

    The report emphasises the review of the overall performance of the Decent Work Country Programmes including the role and relevance of ILO in Cambodia as well as progress and performance of the four outcomes.

  5. Report on the Review of the ILO Country Programme: Lao PDR 2006-2009

    The report emphasises the review of the overall performance of the Country Programmes including the role and relevance of ILO in Lao PDR as well as progress and performance of the four outcomes.

  6. Coordinated macroeconomic, employment and social protection policies in Asia and the Pacific
    9 February 2012

    This working paper examines the important role of coordinated economic, employment and social protection policies in supporting a more sustainable and balanced growth in the Asia and the Pacific region. It was prepared as one of the background papers of the Report of the Director-General to the 15th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting.

  7. Recovery, job quality and policy priorities in developing Asia: paper
    16 February 2011

    The paper highlights recent economic developments, examines labour market trends and identifies some emerging policy priorities in the post-crisis era, with a focus on job quality, social protection, infrastructure development and inclusive financial services.

  8. Recovery, job quality and policy priorities in developing Asia
    21 February 2011

    Presented at the International Institute for Labour Studies (IILS) Conference in February 2011. It highlights the economic and labour market recovery challenges as well as identifies post-crisis policy priorities to enhance growth in the region.

  9. Labour and social trends in ASEAN 2010: sustaining recovery and development through decent work
    21 May 2010

    The fifth issue of the Labour and Social Trends report presents an update of major trends in employment and social conditions in the ASEAN region since the beginning of the recent global economic and jobs crisis, while also reviewing national policy responses and identifying lessons learned for the post-crisis era.

  10. Asia‐Pacific Labour Market Update, December 2011
    1December 2011

    Provides a snapshot of recent economic and labour market trends for a number of countries in the Asia-Pacific region, based on official data available as of 21 November 2011.

  11. Asia‐Pacific Labour Market Update, April 2011
    01 April 2011

    Provides a snapshot of recent economic and labour market trends for a number of countries in the Asia-Pacific region, based on official data available as of 7 March 2011.

  12. Asia‐Pacific Labour Market Update, October 2010
    01 October 2010

    Provides a snapshot of recent economic and labour market trends for a number of countries in the Asia-Pacific region, based on official data available as of 24 September 2010.

  13. Labour and social trends in Viet Nam 2009/10
    23 June 2010

    The report was developed by the Institute of Labour Science and Social Affairs with the technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO). It provides an overview of recent labour market trends in the country.

  14. Labour and social trends in Sri Lanka report

  15. Labour and social trends in Indonesia 2009: recovery and beyond through decent work
    17 November 2009

    Analyses the impact of the global financial, economic and jobs crisis on Indonesia’s labour market and draws attention to some key policy challenges posed by the crisis.

  16. Youth enterprise in Asia: policies and programme report

  17. High-Level Regional Forum on Responding to the Economic Crisis - Coherent Policies for Growth, Employment and Decent Work in Asia and the Pacific
    18 February 2009 to 20 February 2009 - Manila, Philippines

    In coping with the current crisis, most countries in Asia and the Pacific benefit from sound financial institutions and a record of sustained growth and macroeconomic stability. Poverty however remains widespread and systems of social protection are fragile and underdeveloped. Even a slight decline in the rates of economic growth can have dramatic social repercussions, particularly among vulnerable sectors and groups. Social distress intersects with political instabilities and tensions. A strong Asian response to the crisis is a critical component of the strategy to set the global economy on a sustainable path out of recession.

    1. Summary report - participants' views
    2. Manila Forum Highlights

  18. Global wage report 2008/9, Regional focus – Asia and the Pacific
    26 November 2008

    The ILO’s first global wage report is published to discuss the major trends in the level and distribution of wages around the world. It also reviews the roles of minimum wages and collective bargaining and explores how to develop a coherence policy in the area of wages. This note summarizes its key findings and policy implications, focusing on the region of Asia and the Pacific.

    1. Global Wage Report 2008/09: Minimum wages and collective bargaining: Towards policy coherence

  19. Visions for Asia’s Decent Work Decade: sustainable growth and jobs to 2015
    10 August 2007

  20. Decent work indicators for Asia and the Pacific: a guidebook for policy-makers and researchers
    20 September 2008

    This Guidebook, designed to be a practical resource for collectors and users of labour market information, presents a detailed overview of key indicators for monitoring labour market trends and measuring progress towards national and international goals related to the promotion of decent work.

  21. Labour and social trends in ASEAN 2008: driving competitiveness and prosperity with decent work
    20 October 2008

    The fourth issue of the Labour and Social Trends series once again focuses on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The report presents an update in major trends in employment and social conditions and looks ahead to 2015 with informed projections, likely scenarios and their policy implications.

  22. Labour and social trends in ASEAN 2007: integration, challenges and opportunities
    01 January 2007 - Bangkok

    The third issue of the Labour and Social Trends series focuses on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The report presents major trends in employment and social conditions in this dynamic region, followed by thematic chapters on key employment and social issues and an updated statistical annex.

  23. Labour and social trends in Asia and the Pacific 2006: progress towards decent work
    01 January 2006 - Bangkok

    The second issue of the Labour and Social Trends series has the special purpose of providing background data and analysis of key labour market issues for the Fourteenth ILO Asian Regional Meeting, which took place in Busan, Republic of Korea from 29 August to 1 September 2006.

  24. Labour and social trends in Asia and the Pacific 2005
    01 January 2005 - Bangkok

    The first issue of the Labour and Social Trends series presents major trends in employment and social conditions in the world's most populous region, while also drawing attention to key policy challenges in the regions' labour markets.

  25. Demographic ageing and employment in India
    31 March 2010

    This paper looks at the employment and unemployment situations of older persons in India.

  26. The global economic crisis: labour market impacts and policies for recovery in Asia
    30 June 2009

    The paper provides an assessment of the economic and labour market impacts of the financial and economic crisis in Asia and the Pacific and reviews national policy responses to the crisis. Its aim is to present an overview of the main mechanisms through which the crisis is impacting the region, and to highlight some policy options available to countries confronting the crisis that are likely to have positive outcomes vis-à-vis employment generation, improving social welfare on the basis of decent work principles, and promoting a sound economic recovery.

  27. Decent work for older persons in Thailand
    20 March 2009

    This paper brings to light the current and emerging issues concerning the promotion of decent work for older persons in Thailand.

  28. Labour market scenarios for the Asian Decent Work Decade in the Pacific Island countries
    01 June 2008

    This paper presents key trends in the economies and labour markets of Pacific island countries and the main issues facing policy-makers in promoting decent and productive employment in these economies. It presents past trends and projections in population growth and in working-age cohorts, in formal employment, in the labour force and labour force participation rates, and in national income, and identifies the economic activities that are most likely to provide growth in formal employment in the countries. It also looks at the role being played by migration and overseas employment of Pacific islanders.

  29. The gender wage gap in Bangladesh
    01 June 2008

    This study presents the first comprehensive estimates of the role that gender plays in determining hourly wage gaps between women and men in Bangladesh, by examining gender wage gaps across different industries, among workers with different levels of education and among workers operating across different sized establishments. The paper also provides the first quantitative estimates of the effects of industrial and occupational segregation on average wage rates for women and men in the country.

  30. Employment challenge and strategies in India
    03 November 2008

    The paper looks at the employment challenges faced by India within the framework of "ten core elements" identified by the Global Employment Agenda of the ILO. These elements relate to trade and investment, technological change, sustainable livelihoods, macro policy, entrepreneurship development, skills development, active labour market policies, social protection, conditions of work and poverty reduction.

  31. Global wage report 2010/11: wage policies in times of crisis
    15 December 2010

    The second in a series of ILO reports focusing on wage developments, this volume reviews the global and regional wage trends during the years of the economic and financial crisis of 2008 and 2009.

    1. ILO says economic crisis cut global wage growth by half
    2. German Briefing: Global Wage Report 2010/11
    3. Executive summary of the Global Wage Report 2010/11: Wage Policies in times of crisis

  32. DevInfo database version 6.0

  33. Global wage report 2008/09: minimum wages and collective bargaining: towards policy coherence
    25 November 2008

    Global Wage Report 2008/09: Minimum wages and collective bargaining: Towards policy coherence

  34. Global employment trends
    03 November 2008

    Global Employment Trends have been produced and published on a yearly basis since 2003. The report analyses the impact on the labour markets of a wide range of factors, ranging from population and economic growth to economic turbulence stemming from the credit crisis in industrialized countries, rising oil prices, and a projected slowdown in economic growth.

  35. Global employment trends for youth
    03 November 2008

    The ILO's third edition of the Global Employment Trends for Youth (October 2008) examines the most recent labour market indicators and finds that young people still suffer disproportionately from a deficit of decent work opportunities. However, progress has been seen in some regions. The report, which updates the world and regional youth labour market indicators presented in previous reports (2004 and 2006), is organized according to nine regional analyses.

  36. Income inequalities in the age of financial globalization
    03 November 2008

    In the majority of countries, the incomes of rich people have grown faster than is the case for their poorer counterparts. To what extent is this a problem for society and the economy? How has financial deregulation affected people’s incomes? What can policy makers do to address excessive income inequality and still support employment and economic growth?

Labour and social trends reports

  1. Labour and social trends in ASEAN 2010: Sustaining recovery and development through decent work

    The fifth issue of the Labour and Social Trends report presents an update of major trends in employment and social conditions in the ASEAN region since the beginning of the recent global economic and jobs crisis, while also reviewing national policy responses and identifying lessons learned for the post-crisis era.

  2. Labour and social trends in Cambodia 2010

    This publication is data-driven, with a focus on analyzing the latest demographic, labour market and economic trends and highlighting their policy implications in a clear and approachable manner. A detailed statistical annex is also attached to this report, with the aim of contributing to the development of internationally comparable, gender-sensitive indicators to measure progress in decent work. The report is intended as a practical information source for policy makers, researchers and other individuals and organizations working in the economic and social arena.

  3. Labour and social trends in Indonesia 2011: Promoting job-rich growth in provinces

    The fourth issue of the Labour and Social Trends in Indonesia focuses on employment growth in provinces. Indonesia has maintained positive economic growth for over a decade and this trend is forecasted to continue with acceleration in economic expansion. It is obvious that bright opportunities lie ahead of Indonesia.

  4. Labour and social trends in Nepal 2010

    This report is the first issue of the Labour and Social Trends in Nepal. The report was produced by Professor B. Pyakuryal with technical inputs from the National Planning Commission (NPC) and ILO. It presents the socioeconomic and labour market trends in Nepal and examines some of the key opportunities and challenges in the labour market situation. It is in line with the ILO Global Jobs Pact's policies. The report contributes to the constructive policy for a sustainable and inclusive development in Nepal.

  5. Labour and social trends in Sri Lanka 2009

    Presents an overview of major trends in labour and social conditions in Sri Lanka, while also drawing attention to key policy challenges posed by these trends. The report looks ahead to 2020 with informed projections, likely scenarios and policy implications.

  6. Labour and social trends in Viet Nam 2009/10

    The report was developed by the Institute of Labour Science and Social Affairs with the technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO). It provides an overview of recent labour market trends in the country.

  7. Labour and social trends in Indonesia 2009: Recovery and beyond through decent work

    Analyses the impact of the global financial, economic and jobs crisis on Indonesia’s labour market and draws attention to some key policy challenges posed by the crisis.

  8. Labour and social trends in ASEAN 2008: Driving competitiveness and prosperity with decent work

    The fourth issue of the Labour and Social Trends series once again focuses on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The report presents an update in major trends in employment and social conditions and looks ahead to 2015 with informed projections, likely scenarios and their policy implications.

  9. Labour and social trends in ASEAN 2007: Integration, challenges and opportunities

    The third issue of the Labour and Social Trends series focuses on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The report presents major trends in employment and social conditions in this dynamic region, followed by thematic chapters on key employment and social issues and an updated statistical annex.

  10. Labour and social trends in Asia and the Pacific 2006: progress towards decent work

    The second issue of the Labour and Social Trends series has the special purpose of providing background data and analysis of key labour market issues for the Fourteenth ILO Asian Regional Meeting, which took place in Busan, Republic of Korea from 29 August to 1 September 2006.

  11. Labour and social trends in Asia and the Pacific 2005

    The first issue of the Labour and Social Trends series presents major trends in employment and social conditions in the world's most populous region, while also drawing attention to key policy challenges in the regions' labour markets.

Working paper series

  1. Decent work in Jakarta: An integrated approach

    This paper analyzes trends in urbanization in Jakarta and details a number of policy initiatives being undertaken in the city on the promotion of decent jobs, skills upgrading, and social protection among others, with a view to supporting urbanization in Indonesia that fosters decent work.

  2. Monetary policy and employment in developing Asia

    This paper assesses the role and challenges of central banks in the Asia region in using monetary policy to promote productive employment and achieve positive labour market outcomes.

  3. Building an Asia-Pacific youth employment coalition: Reviewing past policies and the way forward

    Publications of the International Labour Office enjoy copyright under Protocol 2 of the Universal Copyright Convention. Nevertheless, short excerpts from them may be reproduced without authorization, on condition that the source is indicated.

  4. Coordinated macroeconomic, employment and social protection policies in Asia and the Pacific

    Publications of the International Labour Office enjoy copyright under Protocol 2 of the Universal Copyright Convention. Nevertheless, short excerpts from them may be reproduced without authorization, on condition that the source is indicated.

  5. Youth enterprise in Asia: Policies and Programme

    Publications of the International Labour Office enjoy copyright under Protocol 2 of the Universal Copyright Convention. Nevertheless, short excerpts from them may be reproduced without authorization, on condition that the source is indicated.

  6. Demographic ageing and employment in India

    This paper looks at the employment and unemployment situations of older persons in India.

  7. Decent work for older persons in Thailand

    This paper brings to light the current and emerging issues concerning the promotion of decent work for older persons in Thailand.

  8. The global economic crisis: Labour market impacts and policies for recovery in Asia

    The paper provides an assessment of the economic and labour market impacts of the financial and economic crisis in Asia and the Pacific and reviews national policy responses to the crisis.

  9. Labour market scenarios for the Asian decent work decade in the Pacific Island countries

    This paper presents key trends in the economies and labour markets of Pacific island countries and the main issues facing policy-makers in promoting decent and productive employment in these economies. It presents past trends and projections in population growth and in working-age cohorts, in formal employment, in the labour force and labour force participation rates, and in national income, and identifies the economic activities that are most likely to provide growth in formal employment in the countries. It also looks at the role being played by migration and overseas employment of Pacific islanders.

  10. The gender wage gap in Bangladesh

    This study presents the first comprehensive estimates of the role that gender plays in determining hourly wage gaps between women and men in Bangladesh, by examining gender wage gaps across different industries, among workers with different levels of education and among workers operating across different sized establishments. The paper also provides the first quantitative estimates of the effects of industrial and occupational segregation on average wage rates for women and men in the country.

  11. Employment challenge and strategies in India

    The paper looks at the employment challenges faced by India within the framework of "ten core elements" identified by the Global Employment Agenda of the ILO. These elements relate to trade and investment, technological change, sustainable livelihoods, macro policy, entrepreneurship development, skills development, active labour market policies, social protection, conditions of work and poverty reduction.

Other selected resources

  1. Women and labour markets in Asia: rebalancing for gender equality

    The report is a joint undertaking by the ADB and the ILO’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, reflecting the high-level commitment of both organizations to gender equality in the region, as an economic and social investment that will generate enormous dividends for sustainable development in the region.

  2. Recovery, job quality and policy priorities in developing Asia

    The paper highlights recent economic developments, examines labour market trends and identifies some emerging policy priorities in the post-crisis era, with a focus on job quality, social protection, infrastructure development and inclusive financial services.

© 1996-2012 International Labour Organization (ILO) | Copyright and permissions | Privacy policy | Disclaimer