Goal #8: Decent work and economic growth

Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all

Roughly half the world’s population still lives on the equivalent of about US$2 a day. And in too many places, having a job doesn’t guarantee the ability to escape from poverty. A continued lack of decent work opportunities, insufficient investments and under-consumption lead to an erosion of the basic social contract underlying democratic societies: that all must share in progress.
Putting job creation at the heart of economic policy-making and development plans, will not only generate decent work opportunities but also more robust, inclusive and poverty-reducing growth. It is a virtuous circle that is as good for the economy as it is for people and one that drives sustainable development.

A few facts

  • Employment growth since 2008 has averaged only 0.1% annually, compared with 0.9% between 2000 and 2007
  • Over 60 per cent of all workers lack any kind of employment contract
  • Fewer than 45 per cent of wage and salaried workers are employed on a full-time, permanent basis, and even that share is declining.
  • By 2019, more than 212 million people will be out of work, up from the current 201 million
  • 600 million new jobs need to be created by 2030, just to keep pace with the growth of the working age population