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 Experience Economy

Wealthy nations and modern industries may have lost the will for job creation
David Brooks
February 24, 2011

Bahrain Security Forces Accused of Deliberately Recruiting Foreign Nationals

Bahrain’s rulers hire Sunni security forces – to weaken Shia majority and control protesters
Ian Black
February 17, 2011

Apple Report Reveals Child Labor Increase

Maker of the iPhone and iPad audits contractors for labor violations
Tania Branigan
February 15, 2011

Where Are the Jobs? For Many Companies, Overseas

Multinationals hire in Asia and South America, rather than Europe or US
Pallavi Gogoi
January 4, 2011

Falling Short on Skills

World’s workers lack technological skills required by modern industry
Nayan Chanda
December 13, 2010