Anne Trebilcock

Bio: Anne Trebilcock is an academic researcher from University of Göttingen. The author has contributed to research in topics: Labour law & Human rights. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 20 publications receiving 810 citations. Previous affiliations of Anne Trebilcock include University of Paris & International Labour Organization.

Decent Work and the Informal Economy

Abstract: The ILO was founded for social justice, a mandate expressed today in terms of decent work as a global goal, for all who work, whether in formal or informal contexts. In June 2002, the delegates to the International Labour Conference from governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations adopted a resolution incorporating conclusions on decent work and the informal economy. The four components of decent work – opportunities for employment and income, respect for rights at work, social protection and stronger social dialogue – form the backbone of the ILO’s approach to the informal economy. These elements can also be seen through a development lens, and necessarily feature a strong gender dimension. To make the action foreseen by the ILC conclusions more easily operational in a cross-disciplinary way, the issues they address can be cast in terms of macro policy, governance, enhancement of productivity, markets and employment, social protection/addressing vulnerabilities, and representation and voice. All play key roles in poverty reduction. Moreover, recognizing the importance of measuring progress towards decent work, developments in relation to indicators are briefly described. This paper includes annexes reproducing the ILC conclusions along with two relevant resolutions adopted by the International Conference of Labour Statisticians and a list of ILO websites that address various aspects of decent work and the informal economy.

Towards social dialogue : tripartite cooperation in national economic and social policy-making

Abstract: This work brings together studies on the participation of employers' and workers' representatives in economic and social policy-making in a variety of contexts. A comparative analysis, eight-country chapters, and monographs on French-speaking Africa and Latin America cover both institutional settings and informal arrangements for tripartism. This book should be a useful resource for policy-makers seeking to improve the functioning of tripartite co-operation in order to confront fundamental issues.

Research Handbook on Transnational Labour Law

Abstract: The specially commissioned chapters in the Handbook explore the emergence of transnational labour law as a field, along with its contested contours. The expansion of traditional legal methods, such as treaties, is juxtaposed with the proliferation of contemporary alternatives such as indicators, framework agreements and consumer-led initiatives. Key international and regional institutions are studied for their coverage of such classic topics as freedom of association, equality, and sectoral labour standard-setting, as well as for the space they provide for dialogue. The volume underscores transnational labour law's capacity to build bridges, including on migration, climate change and development.

The shadow economy

Abstract: Measurement of the shadow economy is notoriously difficult as it requires estimation of economic activity that is deliberately hidden from official transactions. Surveys typically understate the size of the shadow economy but econometric techniques can now be used to obtain a much better understanding of its size. The shadow economy constitutes approximately 10 per cent of GDP in the UK; about 14 per cent in Nordic countries and about 20 - 30 per cent in many southern European countries. The main drivers of the shadow economy are (in order): tax and social security burdens, tax morale, the quality of state institutions and labour market regulation. A reduction in the tax burden is therefore likely to lead to a reduction in the size of the shadow economy. Indeed, a virtuous circle can be created of lower tax rates, less shadow work, higher tax morale, a higher tax take and the opportunity for lower rates. Of course, a vicious circle in the other direction can also be created.

Economic and political institutions and entry into formal and informal entrepreneurship

Abstract: We investigated the influence of economic and political institutions on the prevalence rate of formal and informal entrepreneurship across 18 countries in the Asia-Pacific region during the period 2001–2010. We found the quality of institutions to exercise a substantial influence on both formal and informal entrepreneurship. One standard-deviation increase in the quality of economic and political institutions could double the rates of formal entrepreneurship and halve the rates of informal entrepreneurship. The two types of institutions had a complementary effect on driving entry into formal entrepreneurship, whereas only direct effects were observed for informal entry.

Measuring the informal economy: from employment in the formal sector to informal employment

Abstract: Refers to discussions at the 2002 International Labour Conference and the 2003 and earlier International Conferences of Labour Statisticians, where the need for a proper definition and measurement chriteria of employment in the informal sector and of informal employment was pointed out.

The urban transition in Sub-Saharan Africa: implications for economic growth and poverty reduction

Abstract: This paper challenges several common myths that cloud discourse about urban development in Africa. It finds that urbanization in the region is not excessive or imbalanced relative to the experience of other regions. Internal migration, which is not the main source of urban growth, does not account for urban poverty. Migration appears favorable on balance for sending and receiving areas, and population mobility benefits rural and urban households as many retain a foothold in both areas to spread risks. Although Africa has been frequently described as featuring a disconnect between urbanization and economic growth, in reality most of the economic growth that has taken place in the past decade derives from mainly urban-based sectors (industry and services), and this is especially true of the better-performing economies. But cities have clearly not lived up to their productive potential because of widespread neglect and bad management. Urban poverty is not mainly a function of urban expansion, nor is it a sign of failure of the urban economies in Africa. There is evidence that much of the deprivation in cities, and the emerging urban public health problems, relate to institutional failures that perpetuate social exclusion and inequalities between the urban poor and the urban non-poor.

Protecting the poor: A microinsurance compendium

Abstract: This authoritative compendium brings together the latest thinking of leading academics, actuaries, and insurance and development professionals in the microinsurance field. The result is a practical, wideranging resource that provides the most thorough overview of the subject to date. The book covers the many aspects of microinsurance in detail including product design, marketing, premium collection, and governance. It also discusses various institutional arrangements available for delivery including the community-based approach, insurance companies owned by networks of savings and credit cooperatives, and microfinance institutions. The roles of key stakeholders are also explored and the book offers insightful strategies for achieving the right balance between coverage, costs, and price. Protecting the Poor is essential reading for insurance professionals, practitioners, and anyone involved with offering insurance to low-income persons.