Co-funded by the European Union

IOE becomes a Global Information Hub for Covid-19

  • IOE offered a new range of services to its members.
  • IOE called for the creation of a UN-led response fund.

IOE quickly responded to the crisis by adapting its services to the current needs of business and employers’ organisations. In so doing, it participated in the crisis discussions in various international forums including the UN, the OECD, the UN Global Compact, ILO and the G20. Before these forums, IOE advocated that a UN-led response fund needs to be created to urgently mobilise sufficient resources and to “assist governments in safeguarding jobs, maintaining liquidity, avoiding bankruptcy of companies particularly SMEs, providing social protection and wage support schemes, and preparing for the swift resumption of economic activity and international trade as soon as the pandemic is under control”.  IOE President Erol Kiresepi called on “governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, private sources including companies, foundations and individuals to contribute”.

Moreover, IOE organised a number of digital conferences on various topics ranging from the private sector’s contribution to the health crisis, the use of telework, the adoption of labour measures, economic advocacy, health and safety adapting tools, to the consequences on global trade and supply chains. Additionally, it mobilised its network to provide updated information on employers’ organisations measures to stimulate the economy and support employment. Three guidance papers for employers were also published in April 2020, namely “Teleworking in the times of Covid-19”, “Surviving Covid-19 and coming out strong” and “Diverse Labour Measures Implemented by Employers in Response to Covid-19".