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Global unemployment remains stable, but progress toward decent work has stalled, according to a new report from the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The report also warns that young people continue to struggle, while artificial intelligence and trade policy uncertainty risk further undermining the job market.

The report also highlights the fact that women still face entrenched barriers, largely driven by social norms and stereotypes. They account for just two fifths of global employment and are 24 per cent less likely than men to participate in the labour force. 

The Employment and Social Trends 2026 report finds that while the global unemployment rate is projected to stay at 4.9 per cent in 2026 – equivalent to 186 million people – millions of workers around the world still lack access to quality jobs.

“Resilient growth and stable unemployment figures should not distract us from the deeper reality: hundreds of millions of workers remain trapped in poverty, informality, and exclusion,” ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo said.

“Young people continue to struggle,” the report says. “Youth unemployment climbed to 12.4 per cent in 2025, with around 260 million young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). In low-income countries, NEET rates are a daunting 27.9 per cent.”