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.

The Danger of High Home Ownership: Greater Unemployment

Home-ownership subsidies may backfire, reducing jobs and worker mobility
David G. Blanchflower and Andrew J. Oswald
November 4, 2013

Why This Might Be the Model T of Workplace Robots

Academic, industrial research labs will ready blank-slate robot for workplace tasks
Tom Simonite
October 31, 2013

Bad Policies Caused the Lampedusa Tragedy

Horrific inequality is behind the tragic risks
Hans-Jürgen Schlamp
October 10, 2013

Labor Pains

Prosperity comes from the long-term task of developing skills and sustainable jobs
Nayan Chanda
September 30, 2013

Singapore Foreigner Curbs Target Professionals

Some firms and jobseekers may relocate
Sharon Chen
September 27, 2013