Workforce WindsorEssex Releases COVID-19 Worker Impact Survey Findings

63% of respondents are confident in their ability to continue to work or find work after the crisis

For Immediate Release
April 22, 2020

Windsor, ON – Today, Workforce WindsorEssex, in partnership with six other workforce planning boards that are part of Workforce Planning West, released their COVID-19 Worker Impact Survey Results to help inform the ongoing development of responsive employment-related initiatives. The survey collected 2,568 responses across 16 counties in Southwestern Ontario, including 567 responses in Windsor-Essex.

The COVID-19 crisis has made significant impacts locally and globally in regards to business, livelihoods, and jobs. Using the survey, Workforce Planning West is sharing the results so all policy and decision-makers have a better understanding of how the crisis has impacted jobs and families in our region.

The survey asked about the extent to which a worker’s employment status might have changed since March 2, 2020, their occupation, and which sector they are employed. This information provides insight into which groups of workers have been most affected and in what ways.

Key findings from the survey include:

  • Among those who were employed on March 2, 34% are temporarily not working and 4% are permanently laid off as a result of COVID-19
  • Among those who were employed on March 2, 32% are working about the same amount now, 14% are working more, 19% are working less, and 35% are no longer working
  • 50% of those employed in the manufacturing sector on March 2 are no longer working
  • Over 50% of those employed on March 2 and between the ages of 18-24 had temporarily or permanently lost work as a result of COVID-19, higher than any other age group
  • 63% of respondents are confident in their ability to continue to work or to find work after the crisis, while 20% are not confident
  • The majority of respondents in Windsor-Essex are worried about being able to pay their rent or mortgage (52%), being able to pay monthly bills (57%), and having enough food for themselves and/or their families (54%)
  • The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) was deemed the most valuable program or policy put in place by the government to address the crisis with 70% of respondents deeming it very or extremely important
  • 52% of respondents agree that our communities will be stronger after the COVID-19 crisis, while 25% disagree

Two dashboards are available to help people view and interpret the raw survey results online:

The results of this survey will give government, business, and the community a better understanding of how the COVID-19 crisis has impacted the workforce. The survey was open from March 26 to April 20, 2020. The completion rate in Windsor-Essex was 80.5% and the margin of error, assuming a representative sample, was +/- 4%, 19 times out of 20.

 

QUOTES:

“Understanding the depth of the COVID-19 impact on workers and their families will help government and communities better respond to immediate and short-term needs. This survey has given us insight into how major sectors in our economy have been impacted at the worker level, while also shedding light on immediate concerns such as paying bills, rejoining the workforce, and support for government initiatives.”

  • Justin Falconer, CEO, Workforce WindsorEssex

“The survey results showcase how the labour market and the livelihoods of individuals in Windsor-Essex, as well as Southwestern Ontario, have been impacted by COVID-19.”

  • Julian Villafuerte, Project Coordinator and Researcher, Workforce WindsorEssex

 

QUICK LINKS:

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT (LOCAL RESULTS):

Lindsey Rivait
Executive Assistant and Researcher
Workforce WindsorEssex
lrivait@workforcewindsoressex.com

MEDIA CONTACT (SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO RESULTS):

Julian Villafuerte
Project Coordinator and Researcher
Workforce WindsorEssex
(519) 990-4790
jvillafuerte@workforcewindsoressex.com

 

About Workforce WindsorEssex

Workforce WindsorEssex is a workforce and community development board that creates labour market tools, research, guides, and events that benefit jobseekers, employers, students, educators, and the community. Founded by the City of Windsor, County of Essex, WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation, and the Province of Ontario, our mandate is to plan, facilitate, and advocate for regional workforce development, defined as the development, retention, and recruitment of a wide range of skilled workers to meet the current and future economic and social development needs of Windsor-Essex. Learn more at www.workforcewindsoressex.com.

 

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