Urban job quality shows modest improvement but still lags behind pre-COVID levels

Moneycontrol’s recent survey analysis finds that, while Urban Job Quality improved in several regions during the first quarter of FY24-25, it has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. The results show a rise in individuals with steady wage and salaried jobs compared to previous quarters, although the recovery still falls short of the FY20 objectives.

In FY24-25, the percentage of urban workers with regular wage and salaried employment reached its peak, at 49% over the previous four quarters. This reflects an increase of 48.7% from January to March. Despite this progress, the percentages still lag behind the pre-pandemic period in FY20, when 50% of people held positions.

There were considerable gender discrepancies on the job market. The poll found that the number of women in paid positions increased to 54%, up from 52.3% in the preceding quarter. However, this was offset by an increase in the female unemployment rate, which rose to 9% in the first quarter of FY25, up from 8.5%. On the other hand, the share of males in salaried employment decreased, from 47.5% to 47.4%.

Gender Disparities Persist in Urban Job Quality

The poll found that women’s representation in the workforce peaked in two years, with 64.2% of posts. This shift towards the industry suggests a change in the types of job opportunities available to workers.

However, when current data is compared to pre-pandemic levels, women appear to encounter barriers. Women held 58.3% of regular pay or salaried posts in the first quarter of FY20, up roughly four percentage points from April to June of the current fiscal year. Experts believe that this decline is the result of women losing jobs during the epidemic and being replaced by male workers who are more experienced and cost effective, lowering women’s earning potential.

The increasing trend of women leaving traditional occupations raises concerns about their financial independence and security. The survey results serve as a reminder of the pandemic’s long-term consequences on the labor market, emphasizing the importance of measures that assist recovery efforts aimed primarily at women.

In the first quarter of FY 2024-2025 there was an increase in the percentage of workers in the industry reaching its highest point in years. This shift towards roles reflects evolving trends and the ongoing transformation of the job market across industries.

The findings emphasize the need of taking steps to improve employment quality and address gender inequality. Policymakers should address challenges by enacting policies that improve work quality and opportunities for all, rather than focusing exclusively on job recovery.

There is an obvious need for a recovery plan in light of the nation’s issues caused by the pandemic, as well as the effort required to repair and improve the living conditions of urban workers.

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