Working Papers, vehicles for disseminating information on a range of topics related to the world of work and the evolution of social and labour policies and practices for a given sector, are regularly published and widely disseminated. Background reports and issues papers, which provide more in-depth analysis on specific issues, are also published for discussion at international tripartite meetings and global dialogue fora.

Publications

The Sectoral Policies Department is the ILO’s repository of knowledge on sector-specific labour and social issues. Research and studies conducted, in line with the ILO’s research policies, deal with emerging and priority issues of strong interest for ILO’s sectoral constituents.

2020

  1. © Miguel Medina (APF) 2022

    Briefing note

    COVID-19 and food retail

    02 June 2020

    Food retail workers have emerged as a new category of frontline services during this pandemic. While essential to guaranteeing food security, they are themselves at high risk of exposure to infection and play a key role in food safety. To ensure adequate numbers of food workers, they need access to and training on personal protective equipment and hygiene protocols, as well as working conditions that provide adequate wages and access to social protection, including paid sick leave.

2018

  1. Publication

    International Framework Agreements in the food retail, garment and chemicals sectors: Lessons learned from three case studies

    31 May 2018

    With a focus on three recent IFAs in three economic sectors, this working paper is a contribution to the growing body of knowledge on international framework agreements. It complements existing and ongoing research on national and cross-border social dialogue and international framework agreements by other international and regional organizations and by the ILO itself.

  2. Publication

    Back to the Future: Challenges and opportunities for the future of work addressed in ILO sectoral meetings since 2010

    10 May 2018

    This working paper summarises how issues directly related to the future of work have been discussed by ILO constituents in sectoral meetings held since 2010, as further material for reflection by the Global Commission on the Future of Work, as it carries out its important and ambitious programme of work. It has also been prepared to inform and inspire ILO constituents in specific sectors, who in recent years have launched their own debates and exchanges at national, regional and global levels on the future of work.

2015

  1. Publication

    Employment relationships in retail commerce and their impact on decent work and competitiveness

    13 March 2015

    Issues paper for discussion at the Global Dialogue Forum on Employment Relationships in Retail Commerce: Their Impact on Decent Work and Competitiveness (Geneva, 22–23 April 2015)

2012

  1. Publication

    Responsible contracting: An approach aimed at improving social and labour practices in the property services sector

    09 February 2012

    Research paper on the property services sector, and in particular on the provision of cleaning and security services, prepared as background for an ILO meeting on Private employment agencies in private services sectors, 18–19 October 2011.

  2. Publication

    Private employment agencies in Morocco

    09 February 2012

    Research paper on private employment agencies and temporary agency work in a country having ratified the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), prepared for an ILO meeting on Private employment agencies in private services sectors, 18–19 October 2011.