About 140 enumerators have been recently trained to undertake a survey of COVID-19 in workplaces.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Employment, Productivity, Industrial Relations, Youth & Sports Hon. Parveen Kumar and he added that “this is an exercise geared to collect data and information so we can make informed decisions in our workplaces and employment relations during this COVID-19 pandemic”.
“We must employ strategies to stay strong and put in place mechanisms that we have our various sectors ready to make a return once the global economic machinery begins to move once again,” Minister Kumar said.
“This data and informational collection will enable us to plan for means to overcome some of the short-term effects of the economic downturn, including planning for government and international programs towards overcoming some of these impacts.”
Minister Kumar appealed to employers to abide by their obligations and to comply with all the provisions of Employment Relations Act.
“The COVID-19 pandemic in no way or form changes any of the provisions and your obligations to the law and your employees; and my ministry will continue to ensure compliance and to make sure that any breaches are addressed under the law,” he added.
International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Director for Office of the South Pacific, Matin Karimly said if countries failed to protect the world economy the implications will be long lasting.
“According to our estimates 305 million jobs worldwide will be lost by mid-year. Globally, around 436 million enterprises such as tourism, food, retailing and manufacturing has witnessed the pandemic being hit harder,” Mr Karimly said.
“At this stage, it’s crucial for countries to have clear and full understanding of the impact of COVID-19 to take specific measures. For this purpose, we reiterate that any intervention or positive decisions should be based on evidences and reliable data.”