Jobs are the lifeblood for national economies and family budgets. The search for economic opportunity often drives people to move around the globe. The most educated and highly skilled workers are in demand, and immigration policies often reflect that priority. Less skilled would-be immigrants, however, are often subject to tighter restrictions – even in nations where native citizens refuse to take on harvesting, construction, cleaning or other difficult tasks. Advanced technology reduces the need for labor; employers also rely on outsourcing, contract workers and the internet for digital work, including tax preparation, X-ray analysis or graphic design. Nations fiercely compete for jobs while multinational corporations reduce labor costs to increase profits.

Number of Workers per Retiree Declines Worldwide

Government policies must address a declining potential support ratio, workers to retirees, to promote economic and social well-being
Joseph Chamie
December 22, 2015

Wanted: Competent Foreigners to Work for Ukrainian Government

Ukraine welcomes foreigners for cabinet posts – ending bureaucracy for other sectors could break corruption, encourage innovation
Olena Lennon
October 27, 2015

Live Longer, Consume Less: Recipe for Slow Growth

Longer life expectancy, uncertainty, environmental awareness are among five behaviors that reduce consumer spending
Joergen Oerstroem Moeller
October 20, 2015

China’s Factory Workers Are Becoming More Restive

Hong Kong activists influence migrant workers in nearby Guangdong to demand enforcement of China’s labor laws
Anita Chan
May 21, 2015

Headwinds as the US Moves Toward Secretive Trade Agreement

The TPP would deepen trade and corporate regulation for 12 Pacific Rim nations
David Dapice
May 19, 2015

European Union Tries Rebooting the Economy

The EU doubles-down on debt – but with new strategies for job creation, sustainability and innovation
Joergen Oerstroem Moeller
January 27, 2015

Global Pension Crisis: Financial Times

Josephine Cumbo and Robin Wigglesworth
November 26, 2019

Why Billions Do Not Have Glasses: BBC

Tim Harford
November 23, 2019

Ethical Minefield of Microchipping: Spiegel

Kristina Läsker
October 28, 2019

Not Disclosing ESG Data: Wall Street Journal

Maitane Sardon
September 29, 2019