United Nations Radio

Informal employment, which involves private, unregistered businesses that are not subject to national laws, hinders the ability of developing countries to benefit from trade.

Informal employment

That's the assessment of a new joint study released by the International Labor Organization and the World Trade Organization. Mr Pascal Lamy, Director-General of the World Trade Organization says informal economies leave thousands of workers with virtually no job security, low incomes and no social protection. He says social policies, including investments in education, health and skills development, are key to expanding globalization and trade opportunities.

"Investors are looking for workers that are educated, that are healthy and that are skilled. And the report shows how much if you have high levels of education, you don't fall into the informal economy as the report says."

Mr. Lamy says social policy and social dialogue are essential for the successful integration of poorer countries and their citizens into the global economy.

Gail Walker, United Nations Radio
(duration: 1'04")