Employment and Social Trends: May 2026 Update

Growing labour market risks of the Middle East crisis

This Employment and Social Trends: May 2026 Update examines emerging risks to jobs, incomes and workers in a period of heightened global uncertainty. As in previous updates, it focuses on how changes in the geopolitical and economic environment can significantly affect labour markets and social outcomes. This Update gives particular attention to the potential impact of the Middle East crisis.

The Middle East crisis has quickly evolved into a global shock to the world of work. Its effects are spreading through higher energy prices and disruptions to transport routes, supply chains, tourism, investment confidence, migration flows and remittances.

▶ Technical note of the report - PDF 649.19 KB

Additional details

References

Related content

Middle East crisis weighs on global labour markets
A man hands an empty oil can to a woman refugee to use as safe water container.

Middle East crisis weighs on global labour markets

When distant crises hit close to home: Workers and enterprises in Asia and the Pacific feel the effects
Three agricultural workers gather and carry bundles of harvested rice in a field.

When distant crises hit close to home: Workers and enterprises in Asia and the Pacific feel the effects