ILO Report 2026: Global Unemployment Steady at 4.9%

January 22, 2026
Current Context: The International Labour Organization (ILO) released its Employment and Social Trends 2026 report on 14 January 2026 in Geneva.
ILO Report 2026: Global Unemployment Steady at 4.9%
  • The report projects that the global unemployment rate will remain unchanged at 4.9% in 2026, which equals about 186 million people worldwide still without jobs.
  • It also highlights a broader jobs gap of 408 million people who are seeking but unable to access paid work.
  • While headline employment figures appear stable, the report warns that job quality has stagnated, with many workers stuck in insecure or low‑paying roles.
  • It further notes that inequalities are widening, especially affecting youth, women, and migrant workers.
  • Overall, the findings stress that governments must focus not only on job creation but also on better wages, security, and inclusivity to ensure sustainable labour markets.

Question:

Q.1 According to the Employment and Social Trends 2026 report of the International Labour Organization (ILO), the projected global unemployment rate in 2026 is:
a) 4.5%
b) 4.7%
c) 4.9%
d) 5.2%

Answer: c) The ILO projects that the global unemployment rate will remain unchanged at 4.9% in 2026, indicating stagnation in labour market recovery.

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