Publications on informal economy

  1. Publication

    Formalizing domestic work

    05 December 2016

    Many countries around the world are at the onset of a care crisis: with the ageing of the population, and continually increasing rates of female labour participation, families are increasingly turning to domestic workers to care for their homes, children, and ageing parents. While an increasing share of domestic work is part of the formal economy, domestic work remains one of the sectors with the highest share of informal employment. This new ILO report calls for a combination of incentives and compliance to reduce high levels of informality in domestic work.

  2. Global Action Programme on Migrant Domestic Workers and their Families

    Decent work for migrant domestic workers: Moving the agenda forward

    24 November 2016

    This report is part of a broader ILO strategy to promote Decent Work for Domestic Workers. It builds on knowledge generated in the context of the European Union-funded Action Programme on Migrant Domestic Workers and their Families (2013–2016).

  3. Publication

    Non-standard employment around the world: Understanding challenges, shaping prospects

    16 November 2016

    The report analyses the incidence and trends of non-standard forms of employment globally and explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, including changes in the world of work brought about by globalization and social change.

  4. Publication

    Non-standard employment around the world: Understanding challenges, shaping prospects [Key findings]

    14 November 2016

    The report analyses the incidence and trends of NSFE globally and explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, including changes in the world of work brought about by globalization and social change, shifting organizational practices among companies, and changes and gaps in the regulation of work. It also includes a series of policy recommendations.

  5. Publication

    Non-standard employment around the world: Understanding challenges, shaping prospects [Overview]

    14 November 2016

    The report analyses the incidence and trends of NSFE globally and explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, including changes in the world of work brought about by globalization and social change, shifting organizational practices among companies, and changes and gaps in the regulation of work. It also includes a series of policy recommendations.

  6. Briefing note

    No.1 Technological changes and work in the future: Making technology work for all

    03 November 2016

    This note analyses the effects of technological changes on the quantity and quality of jobs and discusses policy challenges in developing a skilled workforce, avoiding job polarization and assuring equal distribution of productivity gains.

  7. Briefing note

    No.3 A challenging future for the employment relationship: Time for affirmation or alternatives

    03 November 2016

    This note discusses the evolution of the employment relationship, the stresses posed by the changing organization of work, the prognosis for fundamental alteration of the relationship, and regulatory challenges in providing adequate protection to workers in evolving employment relationships.

  8. Publication

    Thematic Policy Brief – Enterprise Formalization Introductory Brief

    20 October 2016

    Policies, Strategies and Practices for the Formalisation of Micro and Small Enterprises

  9. Publication

    Thematic Policy Brief – Enterprise Formalization Women

    20 October 2016

    Engaging Informal Women Entrepreneurs in East Africa: Approaches to Greater Formality

  10. Publication

    Thematic Policy Brief – Enterprise Formalization Finance

    20 October 2016

    Role of Finance in Driving Formalization of Informal Enterprises