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.

World Will Miss Economic Benefit of 1.8 Billion Young People

Families and governments alike must invest in youth potential
Fiona Harvey
October 31, 2011

Colliding Forces

Demographics and inequality drive new waves of undocumented immigration
James Crabtree
October 25, 2011

Chinese Scientist Admits Stealing Trade Secrets in US

Biotech worker in US agriculture industry engaged in economic espionage
October 20, 2011

So Many US Manufacturing Jobs, So Few Skilled Workers

Rejecting skilled trades, American students ignore demands of the job market
Lucia Mutikani
October 17, 2011

America’s Labor Pains

Jobs have disappeared in the US and may never come back
Nayan Chanda
October 10, 2011