Abstract:

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting the global labour market, leading to changes in its specific features and employment rates. The situation is particularly difficult for young people, who often lack work experience or a sufficient level of education to find a job or still keep their current job, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This situation is also a challenge for the education system preparing young people for the labour market and employers providing jobs and attracting skilled employees in accordance with the requirements set for the current situation regarding also employment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aim of this research is to theoretically study the labour market in Latvia during the COVID-19 crisis situation and find out in a practical manner the opinion of young people and experts about the youth labour market in order to develop proposals for employers, educational institutions and young people.

This research involves 218 respondents, 216 of which are young people aged 18 to 25 and 2 experts from the State Employment Agency.

Research methods applied:
1) The analysis of scientific literature and documents.
2) The youth survey.
3) The expert interview.
4) Mathematical statistics and data analysis. The research period: April-May 2021.

The results of the theoretical research reveal that the labour force demand is mainly determined by the following factors: the demand for products and services; labour productivity and degree of work intensity; working hours; qualifications of employees regarding occupation; segments include the demand for occupations, specialty staff; the level of wages, the taxes and social costs associated thereof. The following factors determine labour supply: demographic situation; the occupational structure and qualification of employees across labour market segments; the wage level; economical choice between work and rest.

The practical part of this research reveals that most young people think that the COVID-19 crisis has affected their employment, level of education, and narrow opportunities are the primary reasons why young people nowadays have difficulty in finding their ideal job. Most young people nowadays work in private companies while the least are self-employed. Young people think that personal traits do not impact the difficulty of finding their ideal jobs. However, experts of the State Employment Agency are of the opinion that the main causes for unemployment are low motivation, high demands for salary, employers’ negative attitude towards employees without experience, as well as educational institutions do not always adequately prepare young people for work. i.e., there is both much theory, and the lack of practice, as well as young people lack the ability to work in a team and take responsibility.

Based on the results of the research, recommendations were made for the educational institutions and the Ministry of Education and Science, the State Employment Agency and young people.

Keywords:

COVID-19 pandemic, labour market, employment, youth.