The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has said about 25 million people will lose their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The body, in a statement issued in Geneva, on Wednesday, said its initial assessment of the impact of the pandemic on the world of work globally indicated that it would be far-reaching, pushing millions of people into unemployment, underemployment and working poverty.
ILO noted that: “However, if we see an internationally coordinated policy response, as happened in the global financial crisis of 2008/9, then the impact on global unemployment could be significantly lower.”
The global labour body, in its preliminary assessment note, COVID-19 and the world of work: Impacts and responses, called for urgent, large-scale and coordinated measures across three pillars: protecting workers in the workplace, stimulating the economy and employment, and supporting jobs and incomes.
According to ILO, “These measures include extending social protection, supporting employment retention (i.e. short-time work, paid leave, other subsidies), and financial and tax relief, including for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.”
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The note also proposed fiscal and monetary policy measures, and lending and financial support for specific economic sectors.
ILO, in the note, stated that the impact of COVID-19 on employment could be in three scenarios.
It said: “Based on different scenarios for the impact of COVID-19 on global GDP growth, the ILO estimates indicate a rise in global unemployment of between 5.3 million (“low” scenario) and 24.7 million (“high” scenario) from a base level of 188 million in 2019. By comparison, the 2008-9 global financial crisis increased global unemployment by 22 million.
“Underemployment is also expected to increase on a large scale, as the economic consequences of the virus outbreak translate into reductions in working hours and wages. Self-employment in developing countries, which often serves to cushion the impact of changes, may not do so this time because of restrictions on the movement of people (e.g. service providers) and goods.
“Falls in employment also means large income losses for workers. The study estimates these as being between USD 860 billion and USD 3.4 trillion by the end of 2020. This will translate into falls in consumption of goods and services, in turn affecting the prospects for businesses and economies.
“Working poverty is expected to increase significantly too, as the strain on incomes resulting from the decline in economic activity will devastate workers close to or below the poverty line. The ILO estimates that between 8.8 and 35 million additional people will be in working poverty worldwide, compared to the original estimate for 2020 (which projected a decline of 14 million worldwide).”
While calling for immediate policy responses, ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, said “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.”
Ryder added, “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.”
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