ILO Report Reveals 58% of Global Workforce in Informal Employment, Highlighting Systemic Labor Market Issues
A new report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) reveals that nearly 58% of the global workforce is engaged in informal employment. This trend is not limited to low-income sectors but is a systemic feature across various labor markets worldwide. Informal employment, as defined by the ILO, includes work not covered by labor legislation, taxation, or social protection. The report highlights that contributing family workers and dependent contractors are among the most affected, with informality rates nearing 100% in some regions. The agriculture sector accounts for a significant portion of informal jobs, but the issue also permeates formal businesses and public sector institutions. The findings challenge traditional views on informality, showing that even highly educated workers and those in formal enterprises are not immune.