Labour Markets

Developing countries have large, complex informal sectors. Informality provides workers and firms with flexibility at the cost of security, often leaving individuals worse off in the long-term. What have we learned from research on informality, and how can we use it to inform policy?

Firms in developing countries are infamous for their poor working conditions—often justified in the name of productivity. A new research review, however, finds that improving working conditions not only benefits workers but can also enhances firm productivity.

Have vocational training programmes in low- and middle-income countries been an effective development intervention?

A governmental employment-guarantee programme designed to provide economic security to rural households in India has unintentionally reduced women’s labour force participation—deepening gender disparities within households. By guaranteeing employment...

Artificial Intelligence, particularly Generative AI, is rapidly transforming labour markets worldwide. While its adoption has sparked optimism about its potential to spur productivity gains, it also raises concerns of widespread job displacement. The...

Access to higher education has increased considerably in low-income countries over the last two decades. Despite this, many graduates find themselves in low-skilled jobs, raising concerns over the effectiveness of their qualifications in shaping thei...

Workplace discrimination by customers directly, and negatively, impacts women’s outcomes in the service industry in sub-Saharan Africa.