Read the following passage about Global Labour Market Challenges in 2024 and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.
The International Labour Organisation's latest assessment reveals that despite achieving a historically low unemployment rate of approximately 5% in 2024, global labor markets conceal profound structural deficiencies. This ostensibly encouraging statistic masks underlying vulnerabilities that undermine sustainable economic development and social cohesion across diverse geographical regions. Contemporary economic indicators frequently obscure systemic inequalities that perpetuate labor market fragmentation and inhibit comprehensive recovery efforts.
Youth unemployment presents particularly alarming trends, persisting at approximately 12.6% globally. Numerous young individuals remain trapped within NEET status—neither engaged in education, employment, nor vocational training programs. This phenomenon disproportionately affects developing economies, where their educational infrastructure and employment opportunities remain inadequate. The proliferation of such circumstances threatens long-term human capital development and perpetuates intergenerational poverty cycles. Educational misalignment with market demands exacerbates these challenges, creating substantial skill gaps that hinder economic progression.
Informal employment sectors continue dominating labor markets, with working poverty and underemployment reverting to pre-pandemic levels. These conditions significantly impede progress toward establishing decent work standards. Furthermore, global productivity growth demonstrates concerning stagnation, while structural economic transformation toward higher-value manufacturing and service industries remains largely stalled. Consequently, newly created positions predominantly offer minimal compensation and limited advancement prospects. Technological disruption compounds these difficulties, displacing traditional employment patterns without providing adequate alternative opportunities.
Regional disparities exacerbate these challenges, with women, youth, and populations in low-income areas bearing disproportionate burdens. The report emphasizes that without comprehensive policy interventions, decent work deficits will persist, jeopardizing the achievements of Sustainable Development Goal 8. Recommended strategies encompass enhancing skills development, formalizing employment arrangements, strengthening social protection mechanisms, facilitating economic transformation, and ensuring equitable management of green and digital transitions. International cooperation becomes increasingly vital for implementing sustainable solutions that address multifaceted labor market complexities.
https://www.ilo.org/lk
Question 23: All of the following are mentioned as challenges EXCEPT _________.
A. Currency fluctuation impacts employment.
B. Youth unemployment is reaching 12.6% globally
C. Informal employment sectors dominate labor markets
D. Regional disparities affecting vulnerable populations