Workers’ incomes reduce remarkably due to COVID-19 pandemic in Q3

Hanoi (VNA) – Average monthly incomes of workers in most economic sectors in the third quarter declined compared to the previous quarter and the same period last year, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).

The average monthly income in the third quarter was 5.2 million VND (229 USD), down 847,000 VND compared to the previous quarter and 573,000 VND over the previous year.

Employees working in the service sector were most affected in terms of income with an average income of 6.2 million VND per month, down 13.5 percent compared to the previous quarter.

In the quarter, the Vietnamese labour market was seriously affected by the complicated development of the fourth wave of COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged social distancing.

The number of employed people decreased substantially during the reviewed quarter while the unemployment rate rose to a record level since the start of the pandemic.

Nguyen Thi Huong Director General of GSO, said attracting workers back to the labour market in the current context is quite a challenge for businesses and the Government.

It would be difficult for workers to go back to work  as well as for businesses to recruit workers if the pandemic situation remains complicated in these localities, she said.

Facing this situation, the GSO proposed the Government take timely measures such as continuing the vaccination for dynamic labour markets that attract a large number of workers.

Localities should provide timely support to workers who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic including those who had their work suspended or had their labour contracts terminated, she said.

It is necessary to care for people's health and living conditions, ensuring social security and welfare, especially the access to food, essential services, and health care services for local residents, Huong said./.