Comment and analysis

2012

1. 

   Unemployment insurance

   More than 70 per cent of workers lack unemployment protection

   14 November 2012

   The recent global economic crisis has served as a stark reminder of why unemployment insurance matters. But the reality is that fewer than half of almost 200 countries monitored by the ILO offer such protection.

2. 

   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.

3. 

   Microinsurance

   The win-win potential of microinsurance for migrants

   29 October 2012

   International migrants send home over US$ 400 billion a year, yet they and their families often lack basic social protection. That is where microinsurance can step in.

4. Labour rights

   Domestic workers in Europe falling through the loopholes

   24 October 2012

   Many domestic workers in Europe do not enjoy as much legal protection as other workers. ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers – which will come into force in a year’s time – offers a chance to improve the lives of the millions of people who work in this profession.

5. 

   Analysis

   Are we getting too old to afford social security?

   10 September 2012

   With people living longer, more and more questions are being raised on the possible effects of the ageing of the population on labour markets and social security systems.

6. 

   Article

   The “abused maid”: A good tale for a film, but not for real life

   07 June 2012

   Millions of domestic workers get paid below the minimum wage, and rarely benefit from health insurance, paid leave, or even time off. Has anything changed since the adoption last year of the ILO’s Convention Concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers?

7. 

   Article

   Why we need a Recommendation on social protection floors

   04 June 2012

   The International Labour Conference (ILC) is expected to vote on a Recommendation for social protection floors. Michael Cichon, Director of the ILO’s Social Security Department, explains why we need this international labour standard.

8. 

   Article

   Arab youth aspiring to social justice and decent work

   15 May 2012

   In 2011, youth unemployment rates in the Arab region have reached a worrying average of more than 27.3 per cent. For young women, the average unemployment rate is even worse...

9. 

   Article

   Can Europe still afford health and long-term care for its elderly?

   11 May 2012

   Ageing is a slow-burning fuse with a strong impact both on public expenditures and the social mood, as shown by this week’s strike in the UK over pensions. The situation is particularly serious in terms of health and long-term care. Even more alarming is the financial burden on households looking after the elderly. Interview with Ms. Xenia Scheil-Adlung, Health Policy Coordinator at the ILO.

2011

1. Article

   Quotes from international leaders in support of social protection systems for all

   26 October 2011

   International leaders including the presidents of Brazil and France welcomed the report issued on Thursday 27 October by the Social Protection Floor Advisory Group headed by UN women chief Michelle Bachelet. The report calls on the G20 leaders to consider an “action plan” for implementing social protection floors through existing and new financing mechanisms.