The Minister of Trade and Regional Integration has said thousands of jobs in the informal sector could be lost due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Bai Lamin Jobe made the remarks on Friday to celebrate International Workers Day. 

He said the pandemic had devastated economies around the world and the employment prospects were bleak. 

“The pandemics has hit almost all African countries, and the world at large. It appears poise to worsen dramatically with the Gambia being no exception,” Mr Jobe said. 

He said the effects on employment will be “substantial”, adding “reports have shown thousands of jobs mainly in the informal sector could disappear.”

The minister said government will continue to work to improve the economic situation in the country.

Mr Jobe underscored the government’s commitment in supporting decent work “as well as supporting all constituents in building up laws, institutions and practices” that improve workers rights. 

Meanwhile, the Gambia Workers Union has petitioned the Barrow government to provide financial support to all workers affected by the nationwide lockdown. 

This year’s International Workers Day coincided with a global health crisis that have killed many people including frontline workers. The commemoration was low key as workers stayed home due to lockdown.

Reporting by Adama Barrow