45% of Belgians worked less during April

According to figures from the Belgian bureau of statistics Statbel 45% of Belgians worked less than they would normally have done during April. Statbel carried out the survey, the second of its kinds, to look at the impact of the corona crisis on our working lives.

April was the first full month in which the measures designed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus were in force. Many branches of the Belgian economy had (a least in part) shut down, leave their employees in the system of temporary unemployment either partially or fully.

During March almst 1 in 4 people in Belgium had worked less than what they otherwise would have done. However, the lockdown only started midway through the month.

Despte the fact that those that fall under the system of temporary unemployment are considered as still working the employment rate for those between 20 and 64 fell from 70.6% to 70%. The employment rate shows the percentage of Belgians of working age that are in employment.

All the figures listed above come from Statbel’s Labour Survey. The aim of the survey is to chart the impact on the corona crisis on the labour market. During the corona crisis the survey that is normally only quarterly or annual is being published monthly.


The author: Margareta STROOT

Margareta Stroot, a multi-talented individual, calls Brussels her home. With a unique blend of careers, she balances her time as a part-time journalist and a part-time real estate agent. Margareta's deep-rooted knowledge of the city of Brussels, where she resides, has proven invaluable in both of her roles. Her journalism captures the essence of the city, while her real estate expertise helps others find their perfect homes in the vibrant Belgian capital.

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