Structural imbalances in labour markets, particularly in developing countries, have left large numbers of women and men with no choice but to find work in the informal sector.

Many of those who join the labour force in these countries, or lose wage-earning jobs in the formal sector, end up being self-employed, or unpaid family workers, in micro-enterprises. Their work tends to be unsatisfactory in many ways: low productivity, low income, a dangerous or unhealthy environment, no social protection, and the risk of exploitation and harassment.

Governments have often turned a blind eye to the informal sector. They recognize that it does not disappear spontaneously with economic growth, but they are unable to improve conditions.

Over the years, the ILO has played a significant role in placing the informal sector on the policy agenda.

We offer training activities on policies and practices that promote decent work in the informal sector. Our courses look at tried and tested methods and at pertinent examples. They deal with conceptual and measurement issues, and suggest an integrated approach that incorporates elements such as skills development, small business promotion, improving working conditions in micro-enterprises, extending social protection and launching social dialogue.