Global unemployment to stay around 2009 level: UN labor agency

The labor agency of the United Nations said on Tuesday that the world's unemployment this year is likely to stay around the 2009 level.

The Geneva-based International Labor Organization (ILO) predicted that the jobless rate in developed countries could edge higher in 2010, but would stabilize at present level or decline slightly elsewhere.

The number of jobless worldwide hit a record high of nearly 212 million in 2009, the ILO said in its annual Global Employment Trends report.

In 2010, the number is likely to exceed 213 million, said the ILO.

"It is clear that avoiding a jobless recovery is the political priority of today," said ILO Director General Juan Somavia in a statement.

"Each year, the global labor market has expanded by 45 million people, therefore recovery measures must target job creation for young men and women entering the labor market for the first time," he added.

Source: Xinhua