UN's labor agency predicts number of unemployed worldwide will grow by 5.1 million in 2013, 3 million in 2014 as economic weakness lingers; uncertain economic outlook, lack of policy to tackle problem blamed

Cindy Allen

BERLIN , January 22, 2013 (Associated Press) – The U.N. labor agency warns that the lingering effects of the global economic crisis means unemployment will continue to rise — even though world economies are expected to pick up. The International Labor Organization said in a report released Tuesday the net number of unemployed people rose by 4 million in 2012 to some 197 million overall. It is expected to rise by 5.1 million in 2013, and by another 3 million in 2014.

ILO Director-General Guy Ryder says "An uncertain economic outlook, and the inadequacy of policy to counter this, has weakened aggregate demand, holding back investment and hiring."

The global unemployment rate during the crisis peaked at 6.21 percent in 2009 and was 5.93 percent in 2012. It's expected to reach 6.01 percent in 2013 and 2014.

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