Jobless people to increase slightly in 2017

MANILA, Philippines - The number of jobless people in the world is expected to increase by 3.4 million this year, representing a “modest” rise in global unemployment from 5.7 to 5.8 percent, the International Labor Organization (ILO) reported. 

According to ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook – Trends 2017 (WESO), the number of unemployed persons globally in 2017 is forecast to stand at just over 201.1 million, with an additional rise of 2.7 million expected in 2018, “as the pace of labor force growth outstrips job creation.” 

In 2016, 197.7 million people were unemployed. 

Of the 201.1 million jobless in 2017, 16.1 million will come from developing countries, 147 million from emerging countries, and 37.9 million from developed countries. 

“We are facing the twin challenge of repairing the damage caused by the global economic and social crisis and creating quality jobs for the tens of millions of new labor market entrants every year,” said ILO director general Guy Ryder.

“Economic growth continues to disappoint and underperform – both in terms of levels and the degree of inclusion. This paints a worrisome picture for the global economy and its ability to generate enough jobs, let alone quality jobs.

“Persistent high levels of vulnerable forms of employment combined with clear lack of progress in job quality – even in countries where aggregate figures are improving – are alarming. We need to ensure that the gains of growth are shared in an inclusive manner,” Ryder added.

The report also shows that vulnerable forms of employment – or the contributing family workers and own account workers – are expected to stay above 42 percent of total employment, accounting for 1.4 billion people worldwide in 2017. ?