Un says coronavirus pandemic could leave up to 24 7m unemployed
A very concerning report!
According to a recent report by the United Nations, the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to a staggering 24.7 million people losing their jobs globally. This is a significant increase from the initial estimates of 15 million to 20 million job losses.
The report, titled "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the World of Work," was released by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). It highlights the devastating effects of the pandemic on the global economy, particularly in the informal sector, where many workers lack access to social protection and are more vulnerable to job losses.
The report notes that the pandemic has already led to widespread job losses, particularly in industries such as tourism, hospitality, and retail. The ILO estimates that the global unemployment rate could rise to 7.6% in 2020, up from 5.4% in 2019.
The report also highlights the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on certain groups, including:
- Young people: The ILO estimates that 10% of young people (ages 15-24) could lose their jobs, which could have long-term consequences for their education, training, and future employment prospects.
- Women: The report notes that women are more likely to work in the informal sector and are often the primary caregivers for children, making them more vulnerable to job losses and increased caregiving responsibilities.
- Low-skilled workers: The pandemic has disproportionately affected low-skilled workers, who are often more vulnerable to job losses and have limited access to social protection.
The report emphasizes the need for governments, employers, and workers to work together to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the world of work. This includes implementing measures such as:
- Social protection programs to support workers who have lost their jobs or are at risk of job loss.
- Flexible work arrangements to help workers balance work and caregiving responsibilities.
- Investment in education and training programs to help workers develop new skills and adapt to changing job market conditions.
- Support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them recover from the pandemic.
Overall, the report highlights the urgent need for a coordinated response to the pandemic's impact on the world of work, to mitigate its effects and ensure a more equitable and sustainable recovery.