ILO warns of rising informality in youth employment

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released a report highlighting the growing issue of informality in youth employment across Latin America. According to the ILO, over 50% of young people in the region are employed in the informal sector, raising serious concerns not only about job stability but also about the lack of social benefits and labor protections.

The report also emphasizes the risks associated with technology, such as the rise of work through digital platforms, which often do not provide minimum guarantees for their workers. This situation has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated digitalization but also exposed young workers to precarious working conditions and a lack of access to basic labor rights.

Informality in youth employment is not a new phenomenon, but the ILO warns that the situation has become more critical. In countries like Brazil and Mexico, young people working informally are less likely to access vocational training and quality job opportunities.

Moreover, the ILO recommends implementing policies that promote the formalization of youth employment and the inclusion of young people in training programs that allow them to adapt to the demands of the current labor market. Creating a safer and more regulated work environment is crucial to ensuring a better future for the youth of the region.

As governments and labor organizations seek solutions, the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses both informality and technological risks becomes imperative. Undoubtedly, the future of work in Latin America for young people depends on the decisions made today.