During the second half of 2021, what had been a modest and uneven global labour market recovery lost momentum. In consequence, as the COVID-19 pandemic enters its third calendar year, the global employment and social outlook remains uncertain and fragile.Throughout 2021, the pandemic weakened the economic, fiancial and social fabric in almost every country, regardless of development status. At the same time, signifcant diferences emerged, driven largely by diferences in vaccination coverage and economic re-covery measures. This resulted in developed economies recouping signifcant elements of their employment and income losses, while emerging and developing countries continued to struggle with the labour market fallout of workplace closures and weak eco-nomic activity.