Turkey, Covid-19 torpedoes labor market: 82% of jobs at risk

At least 13 million people have lost their jobs because of the virus. 36% reported a decrease in wages and 84% consider the pandemic a threat to their economic situation. Part-time and smart-working are growing. Greater disparities for women.

Istanbul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The new coronavirus pandemic has hit the labor market in Turkey, creating a multitude of newly unemployed, especially among self-employed workers or those who do not benefit from the protection of a union.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, as many as 13 million people have lost their jobs, 36% of the employed have suffered a decrease in wages and about 82% feel they are economically endangered according to a study by the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions of Turkey Research Center (DİSK-AR).

The global health emergency, in Turkey as in the rest of the world, has changed the way people work: 63% of the members of the DİSK-AR union today work remotely in their homes, work part-time or find themselves operating in a headquarters other than the company headquarters. Workers benefit from more leave or vacation than in the past, some have taken a sabbatical year or sick leave due to previous health problems.

Among those working in the private sector, 76% confirm that the way they work has changed; the figure rises to 81% if we consider only women. The new coronavirus has led to a decrease in working hours for 41% of the employed, with an increase to 51% in the private sector, and consequently to a loss of wages. 36% saw revenue decrease; making a division between the sexes, the value is 47.7% among women and 34.2% among men.

The pandemic created difficulties for 75% of workers. Over 25% of them have seen their debt grow and 19.4% do not have the guaranteed minimum to be able to use credit cards. In addition, 13.7% of the workforce says they have difficulty paying their bills.

The pandemic also changed the shopping cart and food preferences. If someone, but few, says that they prefer healthier (but more expensive) products today, 40% say they opt for cheaper foods with a lower nutritional value.

There is also no shortage of criticism for the prevention measures taken in the workplace to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, which for 53% of people proved to be insufficient or inadequate. Finally, 82% of those employed believe that their job is in danger and 84% consider the virus a threat to their economic situation.

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