Issued annually since 1946/47, the Yearbook is the principal reference work of the United Nations, providing a comprehensive, one-volume account of the Organization's work. It includes details of United Nations activities concerning trade, industrial development, natural resources, food, science and technology, social development, population, environment, human settlement, children and legal questions, along with information on the work of each specialized agency in the United Nations family.

This reference book provides a core list of publications in the labour field covering both reference materials and selected ILO publications in English. It covers employment training, labour relations, labour administration, working conditions and environment, social security, promotion of equality and workers' education.