This report examines the impacts of COVID-19 on labour markets along
with adjustment patterns in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,
Thailand, and Viet Nam.
Labour markets in Southeast Asia were particularly hit hard in 2020 when
government pandemic containment measures were most severe. COVID-19
exacerbated growing inequalities in the region and exposed large gaps in
social protection . This report aims to help policymakers identify
priorities, constraints, and opportunities for developing effective
labour market strategies for economic recovery and beyond.