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Introduction

The World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO) is an annual flagship report published by the International Labour Organization (ILO). It provides insights into global labor market trends, employment conditions, and social protection systems. For UPSC aspirants, the WESO report is crucial for understanding global employment patterns, challenges in the labor market, and the role of international organizations in promoting social justice and decent work.

This eBook offers a comprehensive overview of WESO, its key findings, themes, and relevance for the UPSC examination.

International Labour Organization (ILO): An Overview

Established: 1919, as part of the Treaty of Versailles.

Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

Mandate: Promote social justice, decent work, and labor rights.

Members: 187 member states (as of 2023).

Key Initiatives:

Decent Work Agenda
International Labour Standards
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent work and economic growth

What is the WESO Report?

Objective:

To analyze global and regional employment trends, including unemployment, informal work, gender disparities, and labor market inequalities.

Scope:

Covers issues such as social protection, gig economy, labor migration, and the impact of technology on jobs.

Published By: International Labour Organization (ILO).

Themes:

Each year, the report focuses on a specific theme. Recent themes include:
- 2022: “Trends 2022 – Tackling the COVID-19 jobs crisis.”
- 2021: “The role of technology in shaping the future of work.”

Methodology:

Data is collected from ILO member countries and analyzed to provide a detailed assessment of labor markets worldwide.

Key Findings from Recent WESO Reports

Global Employment Trends:

Global unemployment rates have gradually declined post-pandemic but remain above pre-COVID levels.
Informal employment continues to dominate labor markets, especially in developing countries.

Impact of COVID-19:

The pandemic led to massive job losses, particularly in sectors like tourism, hospitality, and manufacturing.
Women, youth, and informal workers were disproportionately affected.

Future of Work:

Automation and digital transformation are reshaping the nature of jobs, creating a demand for new skills.
The gig economy is expanding but often lacks adequate social protection for workers.

Inequalities in the Labor Market:

Gender disparities persist, with women earning less and participating less in the workforce compared to men.
Youth unemployment remains a significant challenge globally.

Social Protection:

Nearly 50% of the global population lacks access to social protection systems, highlighting the need for universal coverage.

Regional Disparities:

Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia face the highest levels of informal employment and unemployment.
Developed countries show better recovery post-pandemic, while developing regions lag behind.

Challenges Highlighted in the WESO Report

Informal Employment:

Accounts for over 60% of global employment, lacking job security, social benefits, and fair wages.

Unemployment:

Global unemployment remains a critical issue, with developing nations facing higher rates.

Digital Divide:

Unequal access to technology hinders digital job opportunities for workers in rural and underdeveloped areas.

Social Protection Gap:

Millions lack access to pensions, healthcare, and unemployment benefits.

Gender Inequality:

Persistent pay gaps, occupational segregation, and lower participation of women in the workforce.

Climate Change and Jobs:

The transition to a green economy presents both opportunities and challenges, including job losses in high-carbon industries.

Global Initiatives and Recommendations by ILO

Decent Work Agenda:
- Focuses on creating quality jobs, ensuring rights at work, and promoting social dialogue.
Universal Social Protection:
- Advocates for extending coverage to all workers, including those in informal sectors.
Skills Development:
- Encourages investment in education and vocational training to prepare workers for emerging industries.
Support for Green Jobs:
- Promotes employment in sustainable sectors like renewable energy and waste management.
Policy Recommendations:
- Governments should prioritize job creation, protect vulnerable workers, and invest in digital infrastructure to close the digital divide.

Relevance for UPSC Aspirants

Economy and Social Issues:
- Key insights into labor market dynamics, employment challenges, and government initiatives.
International Organizations:
- Understanding the role of ILO and its contributions to global labor standards and social justice.
Government Policies:
- Analysis of schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and Skill India Mission in the context of global trends.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- Focus on SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and its intersection with other goals like SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
Essay and Ethics Papers:
- Topics like “Future of Work,” “Universal Social Protection,” and “Gender Parity in Employment” can serve as essay themes or case studies in ethics.

Case Studies

India’s Employment Scenario:

High levels of informal employment (over 90% of the workforce).
Initiatives like Start-Up India, Stand-Up India, and Digital India aim to address unemployment and promote entrepreneurship.

Social Protection in Nordic Countries:

Comprehensive welfare systems in countries like Sweden and Norway ensure universal healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pensions.

Green Jobs in Germany:

Investment in renewable energy has created thousands of green jobs, showcasing a successful transition to a sustainable economy.

Conclusion

The World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO) report is a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of global labor markets and their implications for sustainable development. For UPSC aspirants, it provides critical insights into employment trends, social protection, and international efforts to promote decent work.

By integrating WESO findings with national and international policies, aspirants can develop a holistic perspective on labor issues, enhancing their preparation for the Civil Services Examination.

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