Impact of COVID-19 on Belize Labor Force – According to statistics from the Government of Belize, the country lost 38,909 jobs due to the Corona Virus Pandemic. Statistics show that as of September 2020, that was the number of persons not working who lost their jobs due to COVID-19. The statistics released indicate that 33% of jobs lost due to COVID-19 were in the Tourism industry, 15% were lost in Wholesale and Retail Trade and Repairs; and 12% were lost in the Community, Social and Personal Service. Below are more statistics provided:
- About 77% were sustained by a family member or own savings.
- 57.6% of persons who lost their job due to COVID-19 were females.
- 28.2% were persons aged 25-34 years.
- Belize District had the largest share of persons losing jobs due to COVID-19
- Two-thirds are classified as persons out of the labor force because they were not looking for work.
*Unemployed Persons who lost their jobs due to COVID-19
- One out of three jobs lost were in the Tourism Industry
- 51.1% of unemployed persons in Stann Creek District who lost their jobs worked in the Tourism Industry.
- Among age groups 31% of unemployed persons who lost their jobs due to COVID-19 were aged 25-34 years.
(Pictured in headline was the site of Poco Locos food court in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye that closed down and the structure was complete removed from location. Many more businesses have closed down, relocated or downsized their business staff and business space.)
