Comment and analysis

2012

Skills

Wanted: Local workers for the oil and gas industry

12 December 2012

The oil and gas industry is facing increasing shortages of skilled workers. This could be an opportunity for oil- and gas-producing countries to boost the involvement of their local workforce.
World of Work

The challenges beyond the crisis

25 November 2012

There are strong forces besides the global economic crisis affecting labour markets worldwide. Understanding and shaping policies to respond to them will determine the present and future of the world of work. By José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs*
Social protection

Can China get old and rich at the same time?

07 November 2012

China has already done a lot to adapt labour markets and social protection systems to an ageing society. But it will have to do more to balance its economic and social needs.
Banking co-ops

What financial cooperatives can teach the big banks

05 November 2012

The success of financial cooperatives during the global financial crisis shows there is a credible alternative to the investment-owned banking system.
Measuring unemployment

Youth jobs count – but how?

02 November 2012

The latest EU figures show a further increase in youth unemployment, but there has been some debate in the past over whether to express those levels in rates rather than ratios. What is the difference between the two, and which, if any, is a more precise measurement?
Article

How to beat a crisis: Interview with Argentinean Vice President

17 May 2012

In 2001 Argentina defaulted on its debt and ended the parity of its currency with the US dollar. The South American country plunged deeper into crisis, but within months economic growth set in. We asked Argentine Vice President Mr Amado Boudou if Eurozone countries can learn from Argentina how to beat the crisis.