The COVID-19 pandemic generated one of the worst jobs crises since the Great Depression. One of the main challenges we are facing right now is the shortage of workers, somethingsince employers need extra workers to be able to meet customer demand. While this is a growing concern for employers, unemployment is practically as low as it was before the pandemic, but job openings are at a record high. Since the pandemic started there isare roughly 2.3 million fewer people in the labor force working, or actively looking for work, than before the pandemic. What is holding folks back from returning to the workforce and taking available jobs?
There are several different causes that are holding folks back from returning to the workforce. There hadhave been several causes in which neither parent lost their job during the pandemic, but their support systems were disordered. This included schools and most daycare options that were suddenly no longer available. This resulted in most working mothers to havehaving to reduce their hours or leave their jobs to take care of the schooling and childcare responsibilities. Since the pandemic there are not as many options available for childcare, which is keeping women at home and out of the workforce. Some families have made the decision to keep a parent at home, as it saves money in the end with the increase in childcare prices and after schoolafter-school care. The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered one of the worst jobs crises since the Great Depression. There is a possibility that the crisis could increase poverty and widen inequalities, and the impact will still be felt for years to come. As a nation we now need to do anything we can to help stop this jobs crisis from turning into a social crisis.