The impact of the corona virus on employment
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The corona virus pandemic has had a devastating effect on livelihoods all over the globe. Unfortunately, many people have capitulated to the virus with others feeling the social and economic pressures therefrom. The International Labour Organisation estimates that 1.6 billion people in the informal sector, at least half of the global workforce, face an immediate danger to their jobs and their livelihoods. Furthermore, the United Nations reports that 430 million enterprises in sectors such as retail and manufacturing are disrupted by the corona virus outbreak and the resultant lockdowns.
In the United States, job losses have risen to above 40million, with losses of up to 2.1million reported in a single week. South Africa is no exception, the National Treasury reported at the beginning of July that 40% of all available vacancies had been lost. Treasury breaks down the numbers and predicts that the pandemic might cause job losses of between 690 000 and 1.79million.
This reality is alarming provided the unequal nature of South Africa. Further obstacles are that which are presented by the already high unemployment rate that has haunted South Africa since the advent of democracy. While some might view this as an opportunity for a career reset, others hope that their packages are paid timeously in light of their dependence on such packages.
The reality is that some employers will even go as far as attempt to cheat employees out of well-deserved benefits and try appropriate the money for their already ailing businesses. That alone means that employees ought to be vigilant and guard against possible swindling from their trusted employers. Also, employees ought to familiarize themselves with South African labour laws to ensure that firstly, they receive optimal protection against the virus in their respective workplaces and secondly; that they are well versed with labour laws in the event of retrenchment, dismissal or any possible event that might result from an employment relationship.
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