Were cross-border workers among the first victims of the pandemic? Statistics from Statec indicate that the number of cross-border workers employed in Luxembourg has considerably decreased between February and June.
According to the national statistics service, there were 205,708 cross-border workers employed in the Grand Duchy in February. This number dropped to 201,230 in March when the lockdown started. In June, 202,756 non-resident employees were officially working in Luxembourg - a small uptick compared to March but still a considerable drop compared to February (-2,952 employees).
The number of resident employees was considerably less impacted by the pandemic. Even though their number similarly witnessed a decline in spring, it almost returned to its pre-crisis level in June (-399 employees).
It remains challenging to analyse the reasons that lie at the heart of this pandemic-induced phenomenon. Statec nevertheless provided some key pointers. According to the statistics service, the sectors that were hit the hardest by the pandemic are simultaneously sectors that employ comparatively high numbers of cross-border workers. This is particularly the case for the construction, trade, and temporary employment sectors. Conversely, public administration has been one of the most “dynamic” sectors in recent weeks. At the same time, the vast majority of public servants are residents.
