News

The latest news on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the world of work and the responses of governments, workers’ and employers’ organizations.

April 2020

  1. Video

    SMEs adapting during COVID-19

    08 April 2020

    This film shows how one SCORE trained SME, Stranough Guitar Technology, based in Bandung, Indonesia is adapting its production and sales strategies during the current crisis. SCORE Training successfully changed the company culture and has created strong communications between management and workers. During the covid 19 pandemic, they are openly discussing company issues together and come up with solutions as a team.

  2. COVID-19 response

    Employment-Intensive Investment-Programme (EIIP)'s Response to COVID-19

    07 April 2020

    Rationale for EIIP response, summary of actions, and helpful tools and guidelines for partners

  3. © Kenzo Tribouillard / AFP 2023

    COVID-19: Protecting workers in the workplace

    Women health workers: Working relentlessly in hospitals and at home

    07 April 2020

    Women globally make up over 70 per cent of workers in health, including those working in care institutions. They are on the front line of the fight against COVID-19. As a result of the pandemic they are facing a double burden: longer shifts at work and additional care work at home.

  4. © Luis ACOSTA / AFP 2023

    COVID-19: Stimulating the economy and employment

    ILO: COVID-19 causes devastating losses in working hours and employment

    07 April 2020

    The COVID-19 pandemic is having a catastrophic effect on working hours and earnings, globally. A new ILO report highlights some of the worst affected sectors and regions, and outlines policies to mitigate the crisis.

  5. COVID-19 pandemic

    ILO defers International Labour Conference until 2021 due to COVID-19

    06 April 2020

    In view of the severe restrictions on travel and personal interaction implemented worldwide and the need to ensure the well-being of delegates and staff, the 109th session of the International Labour Conference will take place next year.

  6. COVID-19:  Stimulating the economy and labour demand

    The need to scale up investment in health workforces

    03 April 2020

    As the COVID-19 crisis puts pressure on health services across the globe, new data from the ILO’s Department of Statistics highlights the already existing shortages of health workers.

  7. COVID-19: Stimulating the economy and employment

    Are there enough health workers?

    03 April 2020

    Countries’ capacities to recruit and retain health workers vary significantly across regions. This unequal distribution exacerbates inequities in access to health services.

  8. Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth

    Global Survey on Youth and COVID-19

    03 April 2020

    To bring youth voices to the forefront of action and policy responses, the ILO and partners of the Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth (DJY) are conducting a survey on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth and the world of work.

  9. COVID-19: Supporting employment and incomes

    Five things SMEs need to survive COVID-19

    03 April 2020

    The COVID-19 outbreak has hit Small and Medium Enterprises and their workers hard. So what do SMEs need and what has worked in previous calamities to help them survive? Here are our top five policy options.

  10. © ILO 2023

    Media advisory

    ILO to publish updated figures on employment impact of COVID-19

    03 April 2020

  11. News

    ILO SKILLS response to COVID-19

    02 April 2020

    Working on addressing the specific challenges faced by countries, workers, enterprises and education and training institutions by facilitating distance learning solutions and encouraging skills development within the context of the current crisis.

  12. © Hospital CLÍNIC 2023

    COVID-19: Protecting workers in the workplace

    Five ways to protect health workers during the COVID-19 crisis

    01 April 2020

    Health workers and systems are playing a crucial role in the global fight against COVID-19 and special measures are needed to support and protect them.

March 2020

  1. © ILO 2023

    COVID-19: Protecting workers in the workplace

    Treat seafarers with “dignity and respect” during COVID-19 crisis

    31 March 2020

    Seafarers, ship owners and governments are urging ILO member States to ensure the flow of essential goods, energy, food and medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  2. © Army Medicine 2023

    COVID-19: Protecting workers in the workplace

    New guidelines to help employers support families during COVID-19

    30 March 2020

    New guidelines issued by ILO and UNICEF call on enterprises to do more to support working families during the pandemic.

  3. COVID-19: Protecting workers in the workplace

    The impact of COVID-19 on inequalities in the world of work

    30 March 2020

    The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating already existing inequalities – from catching the virus, to staying alive, to coping with its dramatic economic consequences. Policy responses must ensure that support reaches the workers and enterprises who need it most.