Labour Force Statistics

ILOSTAT, a key resource from the International Labour Organization (ILO), provides comprehensive databases on labor statistics. Among these, the Labour Force Statistics (LFS), Short-Term Labour Force Statistics (STLFS), and Rural and Urban Labour Market Statistics (RURBAN) databases are particularly crucial. They underpin evidence-based policymaking by offering a detailed view of labor market dynamics, inefficiencies, and decent work deficits. These databases are pivotal in shaping and evaluating employment policies that aim to improve worker welfare and foster economic growth.

Key Focus Areas and Databases

The LFS, STLFS, and RURBAN databases concentrate on labor force indicators such as employment and labor underutilization. Their conceptual framework is rooted in the Resolution concerning statistics of the economically active population, employment, unemployment, and underemployment, from the 13th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS) in 1983. It's noteworthy that these differ from the Work Statistics – 19th ICLS (WORK) database, which uses the updated 2013 standards.

Significant Indicators

1. Labour Force Participation Rate: This gauges the share of a nation's working-age population active in the labor market, indicating the available labor supply. ILOSTAT details participation rates across demographics like sex, age, rural/urban areas, and education.
2. Employment by Economic Activity: This provides a sectoral employment breakdown, highlighting employment shifts and development stages. It also aids in calculating manufacturing's share in total employment, relevant to Sustainable Development Goal 9.
3. Employment by Occupation: This indicator offers insights into employment distribution across occupations, reflecting skill levels and labor market segmentation, including gender segregation analysis.
4. Employment by Status in Employment: This classifies jobs by economic risk and jobholder authority, showing workforce distribution among employees, employers, own-account workers, and contributing family workers.
5. Employment-to-Population Ratio: This measures the employed portion of the working-age population, indicating an economy's job creation capability.
6. Informality: This covers statistics on informal employment, crucial for understanding employment creation and income generation, particularly in developing economies.
7. Unemployment Rate: This key indicator reflects the labor supply underutilization, showing the economy's inability to provide jobs for those seeking work.
8. Time-Related Underemployment Rate: This measures the proportion of employed individuals willing to work more hours, indicating labor market slack.
9. Youth Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET) Rate: This offers a wider view of potential youth labor market entrants than just unemployment, including those not in education or training.

Data Sources and Methodology

Data primarily comes from household surveys, especially labor force surveys, and population censuses. Establishment surveys and administrative records contribute but have coverage limitations. The ILO employs rigorous methods, including modeled estimates, to ensure data comparability and reliability.

Available Resources

ILOSTAT offers various publications and resources for effective data utilization, including guides on COVID-19's impact on labor statistics, guidance for data producers, and quick guides on labor statistics' sources and uses.

Conclusion

The LFS, STLFS, and RURBAN databases on ILOSTAT are indispensable for policymakers and researchers, providing essential data and insights for understanding labor markets and formulating policies to promote decent work globally. They offer a comprehensive view of labor market trends, challenges, and opportunities, making them a cornerstone of labor market analysis and policy development.