New labour force survey gives detailed picture of Myanmar labour market
The Republic of the Union of Myanmar has published the first comprehensive survey of the labour force.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) welcomes the Republic of the Union of Myanmar’s publication of the first comprehensive survey of the labour force, including data on women’s participation, child labour and youth employment issues.
“The labour force survey complements the 2014 national census and will give the Government deeper and more detailed information across a wide range of indicators, which can better inform policy and planning,” said Rory Mungoven, ILO Liaison Officer in Yangon.
The Labour Force, Child Labour and School-to-Work Transition Survey has been led by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population, jointly with the Central Statistical Organisation, with financial and technical support from the ILO.
The survey was conducted from 1 to 31 March 2015, covering a sample of 23,425 households in 1,468 enumeration areas drawn from the 2014 population census sampling frame.
For a summary of key findings, please click here.
The ILO noted some of the differences between the labour force survey and the 2014 census, for instance the unemployment rate, stemmed from their different methodologies, timing and coverage.
The ILO also stressed that labour markets are dynamic, and data needs to be updated on a regular basis. This first Labour Force Survey in nearly three decades has helped to build the Government’s systems and its capacity to continue such work on a regular basis.
“Of course, the survey is just a starting point, and data is only as good as its application,” said Mr Mungoven. “The statistics will allow the Government to zero-in its policies and planning on a number of important areas for attention.”
These include women’s lower levels of participation in the workforce and lower wages; the numbers of children working in excessive hours or in hazardous forms of work; and the gaps in vocational training and education that impede the school to work transition.
“We hope the survey will help the Government in developing inclusive and people-centred policies and programmes that contribute to sustainable development and decent work for all,” said Mr Mungoven.
Liaison Officer
Tel.: +95 1 233 6538, 233 6539, 579 956, 578 925
Email: mungoven@ilo.org
“The labour force survey complements the 2014 national census and will give the Government deeper and more detailed information across a wide range of indicators, which can better inform policy and planning,” said Rory Mungoven, ILO Liaison Officer in Yangon.
The Labour Force, Child Labour and School-to-Work Transition Survey has been led by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population, jointly with the Central Statistical Organisation, with financial and technical support from the ILO.
The survey was conducted from 1 to 31 March 2015, covering a sample of 23,425 households in 1,468 enumeration areas drawn from the 2014 population census sampling frame.
For a summary of key findings, please click here.
The ILO noted some of the differences between the labour force survey and the 2014 census, for instance the unemployment rate, stemmed from their different methodologies, timing and coverage.
The ILO also stressed that labour markets are dynamic, and data needs to be updated on a regular basis. This first Labour Force Survey in nearly three decades has helped to build the Government’s systems and its capacity to continue such work on a regular basis.
“Of course, the survey is just a starting point, and data is only as good as its application,” said Mr Mungoven. “The statistics will allow the Government to zero-in its policies and planning on a number of important areas for attention.”
These include women’s lower levels of participation in the workforce and lower wages; the numbers of children working in excessive hours or in hazardous forms of work; and the gaps in vocational training and education that impede the school to work transition.
“We hope the survey will help the Government in developing inclusive and people-centred policies and programmes that contribute to sustainable development and decent work for all,” said Mr Mungoven.
For further information please contact:
Rory MungovenLiaison Officer
Tel.: +95 1 233 6538, 233 6539, 579 956, 578 925
Email: mungoven@ilo.org