Research and data
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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, Indonesia and Philippines in the Asia region.

Labour market update

  1. Asia-Pacific Labour Market Update, October 2012
    22 October 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 15 October 2012, with special coverage on the youth employment challenge, improving job quality in Viet Nam and strengthening social protection systems.

  2. Asia-Pacific Labour Market Update, April 2012
    17 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, with special coverage on rising inequality trends, the challenge of rapid urbanization and strengthening wage systems.



  3. Asia‐Pacific Labour Market Update, December 2011
    1 December 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, with special coverage on youth employment in the Pacific Island States, trends in wages and productivity growth, gender disparities in the labour market, green jobs, ageing societies and the social protection floor.

Labour and social trends reports

  1. Labour and social trends in Indonesia 2011: promoting job-rich growth in provinces
    22 March 2012

    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.

  2. Labour and social trends in Nepal 2010
    15 November 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.

  3. 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.

Working paper series

  1. Case studies of policy coherence initiatives in developing Asia
    21 August 2012

    This paper highlights four case studies of national efforts in developing Asia towards greater policy coherence and coordination, ranging from institutional cooperation in poverty reduction programmes to integrated macroeconomic and social protection policy responses to the global economic crisis. Each case study features lessons and insights that other countries can consider when pursuing similar initiatives.

  2. Decent work in Ahmedabad: an integrated approach
    29 May 2012

    This paper examines the recent history, political economy and trends in urbanization in Ahmedabad and discusses a number of integrated policies and strategies for supporting sustainable urban development and decent work in regard to governance, social protection and quality employment creation, among others.

  3. Decent work in Jakarta: an integrated approach
    6 March 2012

    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.

  4. Monetary policy and employment in developing Asia
    5 March 2012

    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.

Other selected resources

  1. Women and labour markets in Asia: rebalancing for gender equality
    29 April 2011

    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: 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.

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