Future of work
A curated resource of recent research on trends shaping Canada's labour market.
This research identifies policy measures to address the gaps in youth employment around the world. During 2020, global youth employment fell by 8.7%, while adults experienced a 3.7% drop. Many policy responses are not yet fully embedded or reviewed to assess their impacts on youth. Most youth-specific policy responses have been extensions of or repackaged policies that existed pre-pandemic.
Young women have been particularly affected by pandemic policy responses. Their employment had been heavily concentrated in the accommodation, retail and food service sectors. Similarly, young women have seen an increase in domestic and caring responsibilities with little support.
“Broad brush” policies have not adequately addressed the severity of impacts on young people. Moreover, major gaps exist in policy responses in some countries. Countries and regions with large youth populations must be far more age and gender sensitive in developing and implementing post-pandemic recovery plans.