[Global Insight] How will work and jobs change in the post-pandemic world?
- 4 years ago
코로나19 이후 고용형태가 어떻게 바뀔까?
We connect with two experts on an issue making headlines.
It's May Day, or Labor Day, in more than 80 countries around the world.
But millions of workers don't have much cause for celebration this year as the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered mass layoffs across the globe the U.S. alone topping 30 million over six weeks.
In our previous shows we've discussed what more needs to be done for the hardest hit to stabilize their livelihoods during this crisis.
But what about after the pandemic, when it seems there won't be an immediate economic recovery?
Today, we discuss how work and employment will change in the "new normal."
We have joining us Dr. Kim Byung-joo, Professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul and Dr. Achim Schmillen, Senior Economist specializing in Social Protection and Jobs at the World Bank and
1.
Dr. KIM: Millions of jobs have been lost so far. But there are concerns this displacement might be permanent for some workers especially those employed in sectors where businesses increasingly rely on technology over the course of the pandemic. Which workers are going to bethe most affected and see major changes after the pandemic?
Dr. Schmillan: Of course, we can't forget the 1.6 billion workers in the informal economy who face an immediate threat to their livelihoods. What are the biggest challenges governments will have to work through to provide them sufficient support?
Dr. Schmillan: There's been an explosion of job losses in the U.S., as the number of applicants for unemployment benefits saw a 31-fold increase, but in South Korea, there was a 45 percent increase. Some say the disparity is due to employment laws in the U.S. making it easier to dismiss workers than in countries like South Korea where it's relatively difficult to do so. In any case, it's a trade off between job protection and labor demand. How do you think governments should balance this equation throughout the pandemic?
To both: This crisis has shed light on how much we rely on our monthly paychecks, prompting discussion on universal income. Is this something governments or even big tech companies should be giving serious thought to?
To Dr. Schmillan: What fundamental improvements for workers do you hope to see once the pandemic is over? And for those who may not get their jobs back straight away, or even have to switch industries, what should be done to support them beyond employment benefits and tax waivers?
To Dr. Kim: Looking forward, there's also optimism that new businesses will crop up during the crisis, meaning new job opportunities. What's your view?
That's all we have time for today. It was a great discussion.
Thank you for joining us Dr. Kim Byung-joo, Professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul and Dr. Achim Schmillen, Senior Economist at the World Bank and
We connect with two experts on an issue making headlines.
It's May Day, or Labor Day, in more than 80 countries around the world.
But millions of workers don't have much cause for celebration this year as the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered mass layoffs across the globe the U.S. alone topping 30 million over six weeks.
In our previous shows we've discussed what more needs to be done for the hardest hit to stabilize their livelihoods during this crisis.
But what about after the pandemic, when it seems there won't be an immediate economic recovery?
Today, we discuss how work and employment will change in the "new normal."
We have joining us Dr. Kim Byung-joo, Professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul and Dr. Achim Schmillen, Senior Economist specializing in Social Protection and Jobs at the World Bank and
1.
Dr. KIM: Millions of jobs have been lost so far. But there are concerns this displacement might be permanent for some workers especially those employed in sectors where businesses increasingly rely on technology over the course of the pandemic. Which workers are going to bethe most affected and see major changes after the pandemic?
Dr. Schmillan: Of course, we can't forget the 1.6 billion workers in the informal economy who face an immediate threat to their livelihoods. What are the biggest challenges governments will have to work through to provide them sufficient support?
Dr. Schmillan: There's been an explosion of job losses in the U.S., as the number of applicants for unemployment benefits saw a 31-fold increase, but in South Korea, there was a 45 percent increase. Some say the disparity is due to employment laws in the U.S. making it easier to dismiss workers than in countries like South Korea where it's relatively difficult to do so. In any case, it's a trade off between job protection and labor demand. How do you think governments should balance this equation throughout the pandemic?
To both: This crisis has shed light on how much we rely on our monthly paychecks, prompting discussion on universal income. Is this something governments or even big tech companies should be giving serious thought to?
To Dr. Schmillan: What fundamental improvements for workers do you hope to see once the pandemic is over? And for those who may not get their jobs back straight away, or even have to switch industries, what should be done to support them beyond employment benefits and tax waivers?
To Dr. Kim: Looking forward, there's also optimism that new businesses will crop up during the crisis, meaning new job opportunities. What's your view?
That's all we have time for today. It was a great discussion.
Thank you for joining us Dr. Kim Byung-joo, Professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul and Dr. Achim Schmillen, Senior Economist at the World Bank and