Although the first phase of the lockdown exit strategy began on Monday, with certain industries resuming their work, many others are still functioning at a reduced capacity or not at all.
This means opportunities are scarce for those seeking employment, with many struggling to find work. The “JobSwitch” platform, a Chamber of Commerce initiative, could help those in need and alleviate their stress.
44 year old Frenchman Yannick Rotty had spent six weeks searching for a new job, but the pandemic was impacting his chances. He discovered the “JobSwitch” platform on Facebook, a site aimed at the unemployed, partially unemployed, self-employed, students, or those looking for short term work.
The platform links up jobseekers with employers in urgent need of staff due to the health crisis. Rotty replied to one of the adverts and was contacted by the Chamber of Commerce within two days. He was asked to send in his CV and promptly received a response from Delhaize in Strassen the next day, where he has now worked since 30 March.
It is a complicated situation for supermarkets at present. On one hand, the shops want to offer as many products as possible and keep their shelves well-stocked, but they must do so while protecting staff and customers. Rotty said he was initially apprehensive, but quickly appreciated the safety measures in place, with staff receiving masks and gloves each morning before their shift begins.
The Strassen store has recruited two other employees using JobSwitch, with the store manager lauding the platform for its efficiency in finding staff available to work immediately. The usual recruitment process can last up to two weeks - in Rotty’s case, he started work within a matter of days. Project coordinator Laurent Lucius explained the JobSwitch platform was specifically designed to accelerate the process.
Officially launched on 24 March, the site has welcomed 1,400 candidates in that time, with 500 finding immediate employment. Staffing needs are especially important for supermarkets, caterers and those in the logistics sector.
The initiative is particularly helpful for those who are currently on partial unemployment and who can thereby work for another employer as long as their other business remains closed, using tripartite contracts between both places of work. Workers on partial unemployment receive 80% of their wage, whereas by using the platform to find a second job, they can receive 100% of that wage.
Lucius underlined the initiative was not replacing the National Employment Agency, but instead was working alongside ADEM in a collaborative effort. ADEM director Isabelle Schlesser said their job site was still active, and also encouraged jobseekers to continue using their facilities to improve their CVs or work on new skills.
The job market continues to face difficulties in spite of such support, with the government extending unemployment benefits in light of the situation. Many people registered for unemployment at the start of the crisis, although figures have since stabilised.
Anyone who wants to register with ADEM during this period, whether to submit an unemployment application or take advantage of other services, must do so by telephone, email, post or online.
Lucius said the JobSwitch platform will be maintained after the health crisis has passed, in efforts to help companies in the wake of the pandemic.
At present the platform focuses on fixed term contracts, although Strassen Delhaize manager, Florent Kohr, said they would be willing to keep on the temporary workers where necessary.
For some, the health crisis could yet yield positive results, such as stable employment.
Video in Luxembourgish.
