World economic crisis: 51 million unemployed more according to the ILO

The global economic crisis could cause 51 million unemployed people more « if the situation continues to deteriorate, » warned Wednesday the International Labor Office (ILO) in its report on employment in 2009.

•     « Compared to 2007, the number of unemployed could rise from 18 to 30 million worldwide, and even 51 million if the situation continues to deteriorate, » said the ILO.
  
      According to the latter scenario, the worst, the number of unemployed in the world reached 230 million, against 190 million in 2008 and 179 million in 2007, says the ILO.
  
      The report also indicates that « more than 200 million people, mostly in developing economies, could join the ranks of extremely poor workers » if the « worst » happens.
  
      The ILO wants to be « realistic, not alarmist. » It considers that the economic crisis has raised the level of concern about the social impact of globalization.
  
      « Social instability is already here, » said Juan Somavia, Director General of ILO, who called on governments to « not forget the people » in their plans for economic recovery.
  
      According to Mr. Somavia, the G20 countries who will meet on 2 April in London have to agree, « in addition to financial measures, on urgent measures to be taken to promote productive investment, the objectives of decent work and social  protection».
      
  Ennaharonline/ M. O.