Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

The gap between ambition and reality in the global labour market has become even wider.

People need work to achieve livelihood security and give their lives purpose. However, there are not enough jobs available, and in recent years the gap between ambition and reality in the labour market has become even wider. Young people and women are most affected by unemployment; for them, finding work is particularly difficult. If they do find a job, they must often endure unfavourable working conditions.

Global unemployment

Global unemployment is increasing. It has risen by more than 17 per cent in a single decade, with further growth predicted due to job cuts and an expanding world population. For many people, however, unemployment soon comes to mean poverty and a lack of prospects.

Not every job offers a secure wage

In Europe and Central Asia, four out of five jobs pay a fixed wage, but in sub-Saharan Africa, it is less than one in five. Here, most of the labour force works in the informal sector, for example in domestic service or agriculture.

Growing demand for jobs

The world’s population is growing – driving up demand for jobs. 600 million new jobs are needed by 2020 alone.

Women still at a disadvantage

Globally, fewer than half of women have jobs, compared with four fifths of men. Pakistan has one of the widest gender gaps in jobs: 28 per cent of women are in work, compared with 82 per cent of men.

The private sector as a driver of jobs

Nine out of 10 jobs are provided by the private sector.

Young people hardest hit

Young people make up just 25 per cent of the workforce but 40 per cent of the unemployed.

Jobs with prospects

According to forecasts, the fastest growing occupations in the United States include:

Teachers wanted

If every child is to receive at least a basic education, many more teachers will be required.

Working abroad

The challenges facing international cooperation are increasing. Many organisations are therefore looking to recruit additional staff. Some of them are:

Sources: International Labour Organization, UNESCO, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, World Bank

published in akzente 2/16