Roughly half the world’s population still lives on the equivalent of about US$2 a day. And in too many places, having a job doesn’t guarantee the ability to escape from poverty. Substandard working conditions are often related to poverty, inequality and discrimination. In many contexts, certain groups – such as workers with disabilities, women workers, youth, and migrants, among others – face particular obstacles in accessing decent work and may be especially vulnerable to abuses.

•Employment growth since 2008 has averaged only 0.1% annually, compared with 0.9% between 2000 and 2007
•Over 60 per cent of all workers lack any kind of employment contract
•Fewer than 45 per cent of wage and salaried workers are employed on a full-time, permanent basis, and even that share is declining.
•By 2019, more than 212 million people will be out of work, up from the current 201 million
•600 million new jobs need to be created by 2030, just to keep pace with the growth of the working age population

Businesses are engines for job creation and economic growth and foster economic activity through their value chain. Decent work opportunities are good for business and society. Companies that uphold labor standards across their own operations and value chains face lower risk of reputational damage and legal liability. Instituting non-discriminatory practices and embracing diversity and inclusion will also lead to greater access to skilled, productive talent.