The biggest area of growth is in poorer countries, a reflection of population aging in richer economies, where there are fewer working-age people available to enter or remain in work.
Employment growth is projected to be 0.5 percent in upper-middle-income countries, compared to 3.1 percent in low-income countries.
However, being employed is not necessarily the same as having a quality job or a living wage: Almost 300 million workers live in extreme poverty.earning less than 3 dollars a day.
It is expected that around 2.1 billion people will work in the informal sector this yearwith limited access to social protection, rights at work and job security.
Youth employment at risk
The global employment situation for young people in low-income countries is described in the report as “disheartening”: more than a quarter (27.9 percent) are not in education, work or training.
Educated young people in high-income countries are not immune to uncertainty: the study warns that AI and automation could make it more difficult for them to find work and calls for “close monitoring” of the technology.
The gender gap persists
There is little good news in the report for those fighting for women’s equality in the workplace; The data shows that social norms and stereotypes remain entrenched.
Previous advances have stalled, slowing progress towards gender equality at work, and Women today are about 24 percent less likely than men to participate in the workforce..
Rice cracker production line, Trang An, Vietnam
Trade uncertainty
In 2025, the global economy was marked by upheaval in international trade rules and tariff rates, led by the United States.
Trade supports about 465 million workers worldwide, more than half of them in Asia and the Pacific, and uncertainty is driving down workers’ wages, especially in Southeast Asia, South Asia and Europe.
A “coherent and coordinated” response is needed
Responding to the report’s findings, ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo called for coordinated action and stronger institutions to promote decent work and social justice, particularly in poorer economies that risk being left behind.
“Unless governments, employers and workers act together to harness technology responsibly and expand quality employment opportunities for women and youth – through coherent and coordinated institutional responses – Decent work deficits will persist and social cohesion will be at risk.”said Mr. Houngbo.