Why are key workers undervalued?

The vital role played by key workers was one of the most important lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis also exposed the poor working conditions they often face – including low pay, long hours, insecurity, and poor occupational safety and health.

A new ILO report, World Employment and Social Outlook 2023: The value of essential work, describes the need for change as “one of the most important policy lessons” of the crisis.  The report analyses the conditions of these key workers, considers why they are so inadequate and makes proposals for what should be done to change the status quo.