This brochure draws preliminary evidence from a range of ad-hoc country studies intended to adequately capture the impact of the pandemic on labour markets in least developed countries (LDCs), and the policy responses needed to restart economies and promote a job-rich recovery that leaves no one behind.

Among the key policy recommendations highlighted in the report, based on the ILO’s experience in assisting LDCs, that could help improve country policy design and implementation are:

• Strong and well-run national employment policies – utilising and coordinating expertise and resources from different ministries and agencies;

• A “whole-of-government” approach - thereby creating synergies, critical mass and fiscal savings;

• Reliable and timely information on the numbers and quality of jobs – to facilitate monitoring and ensure an inclusive recovery, providing support to those most affected by the crisis (women, youth and vulnerable workers);

• Productive transformation as a critical underpinning – through strategic interactions between public agencies and private (formal and informal) sectors, with new sets of labour market policies and services, training and financial institutions as key facilitators; and,

• A broad and open participatory approach – policy ought to include social partners and other stakeholders, in order to reach consensus on key priorities, fine-tuning implementation and improve accountability.