This edition takes stock of the current global labour market situation, assessing the most recent employment developments and forecasting unemployment levels in developed, emerging and developing countries. It also focuses on trends in job quality, paying particular attention to working poverty and vulnerable employment.

Acknowledgements iii Executive summary 1 1. Global employment and social trends 5 Global economic outlook is set to improve but remains marred by uncertainties 5 Decent work deficits remain widespread 6 Unequal labour market opportunities for women persist 8 Discontent with the socio-economic situation is growing 9 A comprehensive approach to address cyclical and structural factors is needed to improve labour market and social outcomes on a sustainable basis 11 2. Employment and social trends by region 15 Africa 15 Americas 19 Arab States 22 Asia and the Pacific 24 Europe and Central Asia 27 Appendices A. Regional, country and income groupings 33 B. Labour market estimates, projections and scenarios 35 C. Labour market and social statistics by ILO region 39 Bibliography 55