Vulnerability of Jobs in the US because of the Coronavirus Pandemic

The Vulnerability of Jobs in the US because of the Coronavirus Pandemic
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Abstract
Consensus around the world is that the coronavirus pandemic continues to not only decimate many economies but also contribute to massive job losses and layoffs. With measures such as curfew and lockdowns being put in place for the foreseeable future to curb the spread of the virus, there is increasing encouragement for individuals to work remotely and from their homes. The study investigates jobs at a higher risk as the demand for social distancing becomes the norm to control the spread of Covid-19. The research will highlighting industries hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic in the US when face-to-face interactions are an occupational hazard.
Keywords: Curfew, Lockdowns, Remotely
1 Introduction
Background Statement
The coronavirus pandemic continues to decimate and cripple economies worldwide. The virus that broke out in Wuhan, China in December 2019 has not resulted in massive losses of lives globally but also impacted severely different industries including the employment sector. This is because one of the measures instituted by governments around globe has been to suppress movements through curfews and lockdowns. US states such as New Jersey implemented a curfew early on into the pandemic in March, 2020 (Thornton, 2020).
While with curfew individuals are allowed to move out of their houses, lockdown discourages movement completely. Based on these measures, employers in the US were encouraged to allow their workers to work remotely from home (Mongey and Weinberg, 2020). However, not every employee has been lucky as many have since lost their jobs and main sources of their daily sustenance. Reports indicate that a quarter of US adults acknowledge that either themselves of someone in their household was laid off as companies sort to cut costs due to the pandemic (Fronstin and Woodbury, 2020). Similarly, quite a number were forced to take substantial pay cuts because either demand for their duties or their working hours had been reduced.
As the demand for social distancing becomes the norms, it is essential to note that there are jobs at a higher risk. This is because not all jobs can be performed remotely or at home. This research purposes to share more light and input concerning the industries hardest hit and the jobs at most risk of being lost in the US since face to face interactions with the coronavirus pandemic is deemed to be an occupational hazard.
2 Research Aim
The aim of this research is to highlight industries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic and particularly jobs at most risk in the US as the demand for social distancing becomes the norm and face to face interactions in the region are considered an occupational hazard. While more employers in the nation are encouraging their employees to work remotely and at home, many individuals who have to be physically present at their job stations have been rendered jobless and others forced to take substantial pay cuts. With no end in sight to the pandemic, Mongey and Weinberg (2020) note that earning a living will be normal for those in essential service industries, whose jobs have reduced or no face-to-face intera...