This is the content discussed at the seminar "Developing a stable labor supply chain after the COVID-19 pandemic" within the framework of the 4th Vietnam Economic Forum organized by the Central Economic Commission and the Government. , in Ho Chi Minh City, on 5/6.
Workers at Dong An Industrial Park 1, Thuan An city, Binh Duong province. Illustration: Chi Tuong/VNA
Many fluctuations in supply
Deputy Minister of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs Le Van Thanh said that in fact, the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down economic growth, disrupted production and business activities, and led to the labor situation. employment and life of workers are negatively affected.
Labor supply has been severely reduced, the number of employed workers has fallen to the lowest level in many years. In which, the labor force aged 15 and over decreased the most in the third quarter of 2021, to only 49.1 million people; The labor force employed in the fourth quarter of 2021 was 49.07 million people, 1.79 million lower than the same period last year.
The rate of underemployed and unemployed workers increased sharply, reaching the highest peak in the third quarter of 2021 with 3.98% (more than 1.7 million employees); The unemployment rate in urban areas was highest in the third quarter of 2021 at 5.54%.
Wages and incomes of employees decrease, life of workers is difficult, in which the average monthly income of workers is from 6.7 million VND/month (in 2019) to 5.3 million VND/month. (in 2021), the deepest decrease is in the third quarter of 2021 to only 5.2 million VND/month.
In particular, the shift in labor structure by industry (agriculture - industry - service) and by region has reversed. In the third quarter of 2021, employment in agriculture, forestry and fishery increased and employment in industry and services decreased. About 1.3 million workers moved from urban areas to rural areas, from major economic centers to provinces.
According to Mr. Le Van Thanh, currently, although the epidemic situation has been basically controlled, the socio-economic situation has improved, most industries and fields are in the recovery and growth stage, but Labor supply is still limited, unable to meet the needs of enterprises during the economic recovery period, especially for highly qualified workers.
Some localities, regions and industries are still experiencing an imbalance of supply and demand, and a shortage of local supply. Particularly in the first quarter of 2022, the shortage of local labor is about 120,000 workers, about 2-3% higher than previous years, mainly unskilled workers in the textile and garment industry, assembling electronic components, and manufacturing. Wood processing and a number of industries were strongly affected and had to stop working for a long time such as tourism, education...
The qualifications of workers have not yet met the requirements of technological restructuring, especially in the recovery period, many businesses are actively implementing digital transformation and applying industrial revolution 4.0 achievements. The labor structure between the formal and informal sectors has not yet returned to its pre-epidemic state. The ability to connect supply and demand, and to introduce jobs to meet market requirements has not really met actual requirements.
Ingrid Christensen, Country Director, International Labor Organization (ILO) Office in Vietnam shared: The COVID-19 pandemic has hit economies and societies, bringing about profound changes in the economy. world of work. Globalization, climate and environmental change, as well as technological innovation, are giving rise to new forms of employment and changes in work structure and organization. No country could have foreseen the specific challenges each of these changes might bring to its country.
Need a synchronous recovery strategy
Ngo Duy Hieu, Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, said that in order to create human resources for economic recovery, it is necessary to focus on developing a synchronous, modern, flexible and unified labor market.
In which, it is necessary to create an environment for recovery and development of the labor market, to best meet the needs of economic development; improve the quality of labor; continue to amend and improve policies and legal regulations on labor supply - demand relations... Especially, improve the quality of the labor market information system and job center system.
“It is necessary to soon improve and finalize policies on wages and social security, comprehensively revise policies on social housing and worker housing, and upgrade existing standards of hostels. At the same time, continue to renew guidelines and policies and effectively implement regulations on attracting domestic and foreign investment, overcoming the situation of concentrating many investment projects in one locality, creating pressure to reduce investment costs. and lack of local workers, increasing migrant workers", emphasized Mr. Ngo Duy Hieu.
Meanwhile, Ms. Ingrid Christensen said: After the Great War, a clear and comprehensive solution to recovery revolves around four fundamental pillars of economic growth and inclusive employment; protect all workers; global social security and social dialogue. The good news is that Vietnam is on the right track to implement all four pillars at the same time.
Vietnam has achieved remarkable results in its efforts to modernize labor and employment legislation, expand the scope of social security, upgrade national labor market data collection, improve strategic approach to skills development and, more recently, improving employment and labor legislation to match the changing labor market needs of a transforming economy.
Employment goes hand in hand with the fundamental rights to work, and employment is one of the main means through which individuals can be integrated into society and contribute to its development. In this regard, full, productive employment and free choice are an essential strategic goal towards Viet Nam's 2030 and 2045 agenda.
Dr. Makiko Matsumoto, ILO Decent Work Department in Bangkok also recommended, the labor market recovery should be people-centred. Specifically, it is necessary to increase the capacity of everyone; strengthening working institutions; promote inclusive economic growth, full and decent work for all.
Sharing experiences in Ho Chi Minh City, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Duong Anh Duc emphasized that in order to retain employees, they must be placed in the development of enterprises. The fact shows that when the city enforces social distancing for a long time, jobs are reduced and income is lost, but taking care of workers' lives well has helped businesses retain workers and return soon. post-pandemic activities. Taking care of and taking care of the material and spiritual life of employees during the pandemic has helped them stay with the company for a long time. This helps businesses not to interrupt their workforce when returning to work in the new situation.
Xuan Anh (TTXVN)
