The pandemic has brought unprecedented disruption that – absent concerted policy efforts – will scar the social and employment landscape for years to come

The COVID‑19 pandemic has caused unparalleled disruption worldwide through its devastating impact on public health, employment and livelihoods.

Governments and workers’ and employers’ organizations everywhere have taken immediate measures to tackle the crisis, preserve jobs and protect incomes, though these measures have differed in scope and generosity.

While such measures have been crucial in mitigating the crisis, all countries have suffered a sharp deterioration in employment and national income, which has aggravated existing inequalities and risks inflicting longer-term “scarring” effects on workers and enterprises. A resolute policy response is required to address the fragility and unevenness of social and economic conditions and bring about a human-centred recovery.

Report by the International Labour Organization