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COVID-19: Country policy responses

The world of work and COVID-19: How countries are responding

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll in many countries, the ILO is publishing a digest of the actions taken by its member States and their social partners, to lessen the impact on their economies and labour markets.

Press release | 09 April 2020
GENEVA (ILO News) – The COVID-19 pandemic has affected labour markets in nearly every country in the world, leading to unprecedented losses in working hours and employment.

According to the ILO Monitor 2nd edition: COVID-19 and the world of work, large-scale, integrated, policy measures are needed to lessen the impact, focusing on four pillars: Supporting enterprises, employment and incomes; stimulating the economy and jobs; protecting workers in the workplace; and, using social dialogue between government, workers and employers to find solutions.

Many of the ILO’s 187 member States are taking unprecedented measures to lessen the impact on businesses, jobs and the most vulnerable members of society.

These measures include active fiscal and monetary policies, extending social protection, reinforcing occupational safety and health and strengthening social dialogue.

“This is not just a health crisis, it is an economic and labour emergency which far exceeds the effects of the 2008-9 financial crisis,” said Greg Vines, Deputy Director-General for Management and Reform.

“There has been a large and unprecedented policy response from our member States in recognition of the need to take urgent action to ensure that this pandemic does not leave long-lasting scars on economies, people and jobs.”

See how ILO member States are responding to the crisis in the world of work caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.