WHY
Globally, half of the labour force is working and producing in the informal economy. This work is often characterized by low pay, erratic hours, uncertain employment status and hazardous working conditions. A high proportion of these workers are young men and women, with evidence from twenty countries showing that more than three quarters of young workers aged 15-29 are engaged in informal employment. Decent Jobs for Youth aims to support young people currently working in the informal economy to make positive transitions towards formal employment.
HOW
Decent Jobs for Youth focuses on improving intermediation between employers and young people looking for their first formal job experience. This includes increased recognition of prior learning and upgrading informal apprenticeships so that they can be counted as real work experience. Innovative technology tools, such as electronic and mobile payment systems, are crucial for assisting young people in starting their first formal business, or in formalizing their ongoing entrepreneurial endeavours. By focusing on the transition to the formal economy, Decent Jobs for Youth complements wider action on the Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy Recommendation, 2015 (No. 204).
WHO
The ILO is committed to leading on this thematic priority. Decent Jobs for Youth brings together a growing number of partners who are committed to facilitating young people’s transition to the formal economy.
Uniting changemakers for economic opportunities
YEO 2030 will convene global changemakers and youth employment stakeholders to share, learn and promote knowledge and action on decent work for youth.
Securing long-term employment for migrant youth
The Hope for the Future project, funded by Postkodsstiftelsen, seeks to provide youth covered by the Upper Secondary School Act the support and tools needed to build a sustainable future in Sweden. Youth arrived as unaccompanied minors in 2015 and faced with specific and in the law outlined application-issues, are allowed to complete their education and may be eligible for permanent residency. To be eligible, they need to secure a permanent employment contract that meet specific requirements, within 6 months after graduation. The Law affects about 7,500 youth. Through multi-sectoral collaborations, the project supports their transition to employment.