THE International Labour Organisation (ILO) will launch its flagship report, 'World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO) 2021' covering the role of digital labour platforms in transforming the world of work, on February 23.

ILO's 'COVID-19 and the World of Work' monitor released in January, 2021 showed that the historic labour disruption in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic had led to unprecedented global employment losses of 114 million jobs relative to 2019. Global labour income is estimated to have declined by 8.3 per cent, which amounts to USD 3.7 trillion or 4.4 per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

WESO 2021 focuses on two main types of digital labour platforms: online web-based and location-based. On online platforms, tasks are performed remotely by workers while location-based platforms are at a specific physical location such as for taxi drivers and delivery workers.

It examines how digital labour platforms are transforming the world of work and how that affects employers and workers. The report draws on the findings from surveys and interviews conducted by the ILO with some 12,000 workers and representatives of 85 businesses around the world in multiple sectors.

It also includes recommendations on how to ensure that digital labour platforms provide decent work opportunities and foster the growth of sustainable businesses.

ILO Director-General Mr Guy Ryder and Senior Economist Ms Uma Rani Amara will present the findings of the latest report.