Report on Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Labour market in Bosnia and Herzegovina presented today



The report “Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Labour market in Bosnia and Herzegovina” was presented in Sarajevo today.  The report was created as part of technical assistance programme provided to the Labour and Employment Agency of BiH by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) under the “Employment and Social Affairs Platform” (ESAP) project implemented in the Western Balkans.

The analysis shows the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on BiH economy and, in particular, on labour market developments.  The measures taken to delay the spread of the pandemic also had adverse impact on economic activity and the labour market in BiH resulting in increased unemployment.  Many economic sectors were affected by these measures, tourism, hospitality and food processing sectors having been most severely hit.  The bulk of employers reported either a decrease or stagnation in their business volume in 2020 which consequently impacted their financial results.  The COVID-19 pandemic also caused a certain level of insecurity among workers and active job seekers with regard to their status.  Such conditions spurred employers, public institutions and government officials not only to assess the economic situation prevailing at the time, but to draw up projections so as to better plan and respond to possible similar situations in the future.

ESAP is a regional project implemented by the Regional Cooperation Council in cooperation with the International Labour Organisation.  The aim of the project is to strengthen regional cooperation and institutional capacities of national administrations, employers’ and workers’ organisations enabling them to develop and effectively implement employment and social policy reforms in their EU enlargement process.