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.

Foxconn, HSBC Join Global Trend: Technology Reducing Labor Costs

Corporations prefer purchasing robots over hiring people
David Magee
August 4, 2011

The Trouble With Outsourcing

Companies must keep close tabs on their core business
August 1, 2011

Employment Versus Debt

US Congress could be targeting the wrong priority
Nayan Chanda
July 26, 2011

Clinton Links US Diplomacy to Jobs

US State Department is crucial for US jobs and global leadership
Daniel Lippman
July 15, 2011

More Foreign Interns Seek Work in China

Even students lacking Chinese language skills find opportunity
Xu Junqian and Duan Yan
June 28, 2011