The ILO Bureau of Statistics has three major activities:
- compiling and disseminating labour statistics;
- setting international standards for labour statistics; and
- providing technical cooperation, assistance and training in labour statistics.
These activities are closely inter-related. The gathering of valid and reasonably comparable labour statistics, required for servicing the needs of the ILO and its member States, cannot be achieved without the existence of international standards and of collaboration between international agencies, nor without providing technical assistance and guidance in the application of these standards.