The International Labour Organization (ILO) has predicted that almost 25 million people could lose their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was made known by Mr. Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the finding was according to a new assessment by the Oranisation. “An initial assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on the global world of work says the effects will be far-reaching, pushing millions of people into unemployment, underemployment and working poverty, and proposes measures for a decisive, coordinated and immediate response,” he said.
“The economic and labour crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic could increase global unemployment by almost 25 million…However, if we see an internationally coordinated policy response, as happened in the global financial crisis of 2008 and 2009, then the impact on global unemployment could be significantly lower.”
He noted that the organisation are protecting workers in the workplace, stimulating the economy and employment, and supporting jobs and incomes. “These measures include extending social protection, supporting employment retention such as short-time work, paid leave, other subsidies and financial and tax relief, including for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises…In addition, the note proposes fiscal and monetary policy measures, and lending and financial support for specific economic sectors.”
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Ryder also said the ILO estimated that between 8.8 and 35 million additional people would be in working poverty worldwide, compared to the original estimate for 2020, which projected a decline of 14 million worldwide.
According to him, there must be swift and coordinated policy responses to the issue. “This is no longer only a global health crisis, it is also a major labour market and economic crisis that is having a huge impact on people…In 2008, the world presented a united front to address the consequences of the global financial crisis, and the worst was averted. We need that kind of leadership and resolve now. This is no longer only a global health crisis, it is also a major labour market and economic crisis that is having a huge impact on people.”
He said the ILO note warns that certain groups will be disproportionately affected by the jobs crisis, which could increase inequality.
He added that these include people in less protected and low-paid jobs, particularly youth and older workers. Women and migrants too. “The latter is vulnerable due to the lack of social protection and rights, and women tend to be over-represented in low-paid jobs and affected sectors. In times of crisis like the current one, we have two key tools that can help mitigate the damage and restore public confidence.
“Firstly, social dialogue, engaging with workers and employers and their representatives, is vital for building public trust and support for the measures that we need to overcome this crisis. Secondly, international labour standards provide a tried-and-trusted foundation for policy responses that focus on a recovery that is sustainable and equitable.
“Everything needs to be done to minimise the damage to people at this difficult time.”
Yetunde Adegoke
