Labour statistics play an essential role in the efforts of member States to achieve decent work for all and for the ILO's support of these efforts. These statistics are needed for the development and evaluation of policies towards this goal and for assessing progress towards decent work. They are also an important tool for information and analysis, helping to increase understanding of common problems, explain actions and mobilize interest
The ILO Department of Statistics works with integrity, independence and high professional standards to provide users within and outside the ILO with relevant, timely and reliable labour statistics, to develop international standards for better measurement of labour issues and enhanced international comparability, and to help member States develop and improve their labour statistics. In doing so, it maintains strong professional relations with national statistical systems, especially central statistical agencies and ministries responsible for labour issues, and with statistics offices of other international organizations
The Department's activities to meet its goals include: gathering and disseminating labour statistics; setting international standards for labour statistics; and providing technical cooperation, assistance and training in labour statistics.
As the focal point within the United Nations system for labour statistics, the ILO Department of Statistics is responsible for providing other international organizations with data that are as reliable and timely as possible.
As the focal point within the ILO for statistical activities, the Department assists the Sectors in identifying their data needs, collaborates with them on the gathering of information from countries, and advises them on the use of data for specific purposes.
