Publication

Swaziland: the enabling environment for sustainable enterprises: an "EESE" assessment

13 January 2011

Employment Sector - Employment Report No. 10

Video

SCORE - Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises in Indonesia (Part 2/2)

10 January 2011

Does increasing enterprise competitiveness come at the expense of better working conditions? The ILO's SCORE project in Indonesia demonstrates that the opposite is true: Enterprises trained by the project have become more productive and quality-oriented as working conditions have improved.

Video

SCORE - Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises in Indonesia (Part 1/2)

10 January 2011

Does increasing enterprise competitiveness come at the expense of better working conditions? The ILO's SCORE project in Indonesia demonstrates that the opposite is true: Enterprises trained by the project have become more productive and quality-oriented as working conditions have improved.

Publication

Economic and other benefits of the entreprenuers’ cooperative as a specific form of enterprise cluster

03 January 2011

This book presents entrepreneurs’ cooperatives - cooperatives formed by groups of entrepreneurs, independently owned businesses, tradesmen, professionals, or by municipalities and other public bodies. It shows that cooperatives have helped small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in many countries to become and remain competitive. Although this form of business clustering is not wide spread, there are signs that its development and entrepreneurship effects are gradually being considered. This study analyses the set up and the economic, social and employment benefits of entrepreneurs‘ cooperatives as well as the reasons why their use has not spread. It further indicates those features which allow for replication of the model elsewhere and concludes with a number of recommendations.

Publication

Briefing Note #6: Formalizing the informal insurance inherent in migration

01 January 2011

In our increasingly global economy, labor continues to be a major export commodity for many developing countries. Migration can help families mitigate their risks by increasing overall income levels and diversifying income sources. Yet, many migrants tend to find themselves in positions of vulnerability in their host countries without any access to social safety nets. Emergencies can, thus, quickly erode any savings or assets that the migrant has. Migrant-linked insurance products can help transnational families manage their risks and protect their assets. Briefing Note #6 explores the existing and potential links between migration, remittances and insurance. It provides a mapping of migration-linked microinsurance products, a framework for how to think about them, and an outline of the opportunities and challenges for microinsurers interested in developing products for this market segment.

Publication

Investing in solutions: A practical guide for the use of microfinance in UNHCR operations

01 January 2011

This guide informs potential managers and implementers of livelihood programmes (programme staff, field staff, protection officers, senior managers) on the use of microfinance as part of a broader livelihoods strategy. The policy framework specifically addresses UNHCR decision-makers. The guide builds upon UNHCR and the ILO's work "Introduction to microfinance in conflict-affected communities" (2002) and "Lessons learned from UNHCR’s experiences with microfinance" (2010), as well as evolving practices in the field of microfinance. The guide provides practical information and tools to assess the appropriateness of microfinance in a conflict-affected community and to design sustainable microfinance interventions that will help UNHCR to meet its objectives. The guide includes concrete tools to help design, monitor and evaluate sustainable microfinance projects, including sample templates, formats and checklists.

News

Cancun Agreement: ILO highlights call for a “Just Transition” with green jobs and decent work

15 December 2010

The ILO praised the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) on climate change for including social and decent work dimensions in the outcome document, signaling broad recognition for a “just transition” to a low-carbon economy with decent work and greener jobs.

Event

Green Jobs Learning Forum

This interagency Learning Forum provides participants with knowledge, tools and examples of good practices to enhance their skills in the design and implementation of effective local strategies for the promotion of green jobs.

Presentation

Country level support by ILO Green Jobs Programme

14 December 2010

Publication

Promoting job creation for young people in multinational enterprises and their supply chains: Sierra Leone

14 December 2010

Employment Sector - Employment Report No. 8