Publications on informal economy

  1. Publication

    Understanding patterns of structural discrimination of migrant and other workers in some countries of South and West Asia

    19 April 2022

    This background paper reviews the literature that sheds light on the structural patterns of discrimination against migrant workers in some countries of South and West Asia. It also articulates recommendations that would help officials in UN agencies, international organizations, constituents and other civil society individuals and groups, while referring to the existing evidence of structural discrimination to support the application of international labour standards.

  2. Background Paper N°6 - GEPR working paper series

    E-formalization: The Colombian experience

    30 March 2022

    Background paper for the Global Employment Policy Review (GEPR), Second edition (forthcoming).

  3. ILO Working paper 50

    Crowdwork for young people: Risks and opportunities

    21 February 2022

  4. Publication

    Youth employment in times of COVID

    21 January 2022

    A global review of COVID-19 policy responses to tackle (un)employment and disadvantage among young people.

  5. Report

    World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2022

    17 January 2022

    This ILO flagship report details the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on the world of work.

  6. EESE Report

    A comparative analysis from the EESE programme in Zambia, Honduras, Montenegro, Sierra Leone and Mozambique: key findings and lessons learned

    14 January 2022

    The five case studies look back on the EESE process in specific countries to document how the assessment was conducted, which stakeholders were involved, what recommendations and action plans were issued as a result of the assessment, and how these were taken up by local partners to lead to reforms and, ultimately, improved enabling environment, enterprise development and job creation. These five case studies are input into the preparation of the present comparative study which aims at collecting the key findings from the country-level case studies and identifying common lessons learned and success factors, which should provide evidence for revision of the programme. The main research questions addressed by this report are: can EESE methodology drive change in a sustainable way, what are the key success factors, what are the main opportunities for programme to grow and evolve.

  7. EESE Report

    A framework to support small firms in developing countries navigate crises and build resilience

    10 December 2021

    This wide-ranging report addresses head-on some of the key challenges that shocks pose to small firms in developing countries and outlines a range of policy options that can help support small firms during such conditions. It also presents concrete and numerous examples of measures which are derived from previous shocks and from the COVID-19 shock.

  8. ILO News

    ILO Pasifika Update November 2021

    14 November 2021

    In this edition of the ILO Pacific Newsletter, you will find updates on events and other news highlights of ILO’s work in the Pacific from September to November 2021.

  9. Publication

    Diagnosis on informality in targeted intervention areas of the PROSPECTS programme in Uganda

    09 November 2021

    In 2020, the ILO commissioned a study on the informal economy in the forced displacement context in Uganda. The aim of the study was to assess drivers of informality in refugee settlements and host communities in targeted regions of the PROSPECTS programme and identify opportunities to improve working conditions and reduce informality among these target groups.

  10. E-formalization regional report

    Renewing the social contract through e-formalization in the world of work

    03 November 2021