This paper
examined the differences in pre- and post-COVID-19 labor market challenges from
the perspective of employees in Hungary and Azerbaijan. The research was
conducted through a comparative analysis of the relevant literature and data
from the International Labour Organization, Eurostat, and the countries'
statistical offices. The study revealed that both countries experienced a
significant reduction in labor market activity due to the pandemic and
subsequent economic downturn. In Hungary, the pandemic caused a sharp decline
in employment and a rise in unemployment, while in Azerbaijan, the pandemic
resulted in a decrease in wages and an increase in labor market insecurity. The
study found that the most affected were those in vulnerable employment and the
informal sector in both countries. Moreover, the pandemic had a greater impact
on women and young people due to their overrepresentation in the informal
sector with lower and less competitive compensation. The findings suggest that
further research is needed to examine the long-term implications of COVID-19 on
the labor market in both countries.
Citation:
Astanli, R. (2023). Comparing pre- and post-COVID labor market challenges in Hungary and Azerbaijan: Employees' perspectives. ASERC Journal of Socio-Economic Studies, 6(2), 151-166.