Mexico’s Labor Force Participation Reaches 61.1%: ILO

Mexico's labor market is seeing notable shifts in employment patterns, underemployment, and social protection coverage, as indicated by recent data from the International Labour Organization (ILO)'s ILOSTAT database.

According to the ILO's ILOSTAT database, Mexico's labor force participation rate stands at 61.1%, indicating the proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor market. Employment statistics reveal that 59.5% of the labor force is employed, with a significant portion engaged in informal employment. Informal employment remains a critical aspect of Mexico's labor landscape, posing challenges for job security and access to social benefits.

Underemployment is another concern, with a considerable percentage of workers employed part-time or in roles that do not fully utilize their skills. This indicates a need for policies aimed at improving job quality and matching workers' skills with appropriate employment opportunities.

Social protection coverage has seen gradual improvements, yet disparities persist. While there has been progress in extending coverage, certain groups, particularly those in informal employment, remain vulnerable and lack access to essential social services.

The youth labor market presents additional challenges. A significant percentage of young individuals are neither in employment, education, nor training (NEET), highlighting the necessity for targeted programs that bridge the gap between education and employment.

Gender disparities continue to be evident, with women experiencing higher unemployment rates and lower participation in the labor force compared to men. Addressing these inequalities is crucial for fostering an inclusive labor market.

The ILO's ILOSTAT database is a new initiative that provides interactive, continuously updated overviews of the labor market and decent work indicators for every member state. “The new country profiles make ILO statistics more accessible to everyone,” says Rafael Diez, Chief Statistician and Director, ILO Department of Statistics. “They provide an at-a-glance picture of labour markets and decent work conditions across countries, helping decision-makers and citizens alike turn data into insights.”