World employment report 2001 : life at work in the information society

This report, available in book and CD-ROM versions, examines the employment challenges and opportunities emerging from the rapid growth of information and communications technologies (ICTs) around the world.

Recognized as one of the major drivers of economic growth and wealth creation, ICTs are raising productivity, reducing costs and increasing the speed of communications to help shape the new global economy.

The effects of ICTs on the emergence of new enterprise and the demand for new skills and knowledge are profound, and this study illustrates how they have changed labour market conditions and industrial relations.Up to now, access to information and communications technology remains exclusive and, if current trends persist, the new technology could potentially worsen national and global inequalities.

This report addresses these concerns and offers strategies for development and poverty alleviation, as well as identifying critical policy measures that can be taken to help improve the lives of people and provide decent work all over the world.