According to a report released Wednesday, the World Bank said the pandemic reversed some of the earlier progress, with the job quality remaining a concern particularly for the youth.
“The youth group was disproportionately affected by the pandemic shock on the labor market, and the scarring effect may stay long after the economic activities return,” World Bank Country Director for the Philippines Ndiamé Diop said. The World Bank study also found that labor productivity declined to P109,358 in the second quarter of 2022, 12% down from P123,612 in the fourth quarter of 2019, as elementary occupations dominated during the period.
“These can be complemented by modernizing labor regulations through simplifying labor rules and providing guidance on flexible forms of work arrangement; expanding social insurance; and modernizing inspection and compliance verification systems through digital tools,” she added.