This research brief discusses the employment and financial security impacts of the economic shutdown on Calgary’s vulnerable workforce.
Highlights:
Women and youth were the hardest hit by the contraction in the economy. Female employment fell by 3.4% in March, a loss of 13,500 jobs. Youth employment fell by 10.7%, a loss of 8,100 jobs resulting in a 50% increase in the number of unemployed youth.
Industries and occupations hardest hit by the economic contraction were those in which low-waged and vulnerable workers were predominantly employed, namely the Retail Trade and Accommodation and Food Services industries, and Sales and Service occupations.
Based on the industry and occupational profile of Calgary’s vulnerable workforce, significant job losses are expected among low-income workers, visible minority workers, persons living alone, and recent immigrants.
Many households lack significant financial reserves which may result in greatly increased challenges meeting their basic needs if employment ends as well as long-term indebtedness and possible insolvency. Additionally, financial stress and lost income and employment can compromise mental and physical health.
Read the Full Brief.
This brief has been prepared as part of the Canadian Poverty Institute’s Post-Covid Recovery Project.