Global Unemployment Rate to Stay Low in 2026, ILO Reports
By Glory John
The ILO says the global unemployment rate will remain low in 2026, but warns that informality and working poverty continue to affect millions worldwide.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has reported that the global unemployment rate is expected to remain low in 2026, even as deeper challenges linked to informal employment and working poverty persist across many regions.
According to the ILO’s latest labour market projections released this week, global unemployment is forecast to hover around 4.9 per cent in 2026, broadly unchanged from recent levels. The organisation estimates that about 186 million people worldwide will remain unemployed during the year.
While the headline unemployment figure suggests relative stability, the ILO cautioned that the data masks underlying vulnerabilities in labour markets, particularly in low- and middle-income economies. The agency noted that a significant share of workers continue to rely on informal jobs, often without job security, stable incomes, or access to social protection.
The ILO said working poverty remains widespread, with millions of employed people still unable to earn enough to meet basic living standards. Youth and women were identified as among the groups most exposed to insecure and low-quality employment, especially in regions affected by inflationary pressures, conflict, and climate-related disruptions.
In its assessment, the organisation explained that unemployment rates alone do not fully capture labour market health, as underemployment, stagnant wages, and poor job quality continue to weigh on workers’ livelihoods in many countries.
The ILO reiterated the need for governments to focus on policies that promote decent work, strengthen labour institutions, and expand social protection systems. It also highlighted the importance of investment in skills development to help workers adapt to technological change and shifting labour demand.
The agency said sustained social dialogue between governments, employers, and workers remains critical to addressing labour market imbalances and ensuring that economic recovery translates into inclusive and sustainable employment outcomes.
— GLEBM News
