Because of the pandemic, job losses have been five times higher in rural areas than in cities, according to the latest report on Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE), published on Tuesday 6 July by the European Commission.
The study shows that the Mediterranean regions have been the most affected by job losses, notably because of these regions’ strong dependence on tourism. Conversely, the regions that have been most resilient in the face of the pandemic are those with high regional productivity, high levels of innovation, a highly educated population and jobs that can be undertaken remotely.
The authors of the study note that, even prior to the pandemic, regional disparities and rural-urban divides were already present and have increased in all Member States over the last 15 years.
However, differences in regional GDP per capita within countries themselves have increased most markedly in Ireland, France and Denmark. Conversely, in some countries, the variation in GDP per capita between regions has decreased slightly (in Portugal, Austria, Latvia and Finland).
In addition, the report shows that Member States with a strong social dialogue reacted most effectively, particularly in activating part-time unemployment.
Some results seem to contradict previous studies. The decline in the employment rate within the EU was slightly greater for men than for women. However, the authors of the report indicate that the reduction of working hours has been more marked for women than for men.
For more information: https://bit.ly/3wosdDG (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)