There is worry following a fresh report of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) which predicted that global unemployment would jump up 3 million to 208 million this year.

Also, the agency said this would mark a reversal of the decline in global unemployment witnessed between 2020 and 2022.

The ILO said the current slowdown means that many workers would have to accept lower-quality jobs, often at very low pay, sometimes with insufficient hours.

The report noted that while prices rise faster than nominal labour incomes, the cost-of-living crisis risks pushing more people into poverty, including millions who are being pushed below the poverty line.

According to the United Nations agency, the development was caused by significant declines in income seen during the COVID-19 crisis, which affected low-income groups worst in many countries.

The ILO revealed that there is an imminent increase in inequality in many parts of the world, a situation it said has started causing worry and panic among humanity.

The report further noted that there was an emerging understanding that the world must collaborate to address economic, social and environmental concerns on an equal basis.

According to the agency, Labour standards, employment policies, social protection and social dialogue are more important than ever, and that decent work is central to all of human lives and goes far beyond the workplace.

The living condition is further described as the pathway out of poverty and a core element of sustainable development, stressing that inflation is a major factor causing the loss of jobs and unemployment.

It said the situation is part of the reasons why aspects of the ILO’s decent work agenda are also included in many other Sustainable Development Goals from poverty reduction, food security, health, and inequality, to the range of environmental goals which need just transitions, and the quest for peace, justice and strong institutions.

The agency, therefore, sought for collaboration of actions from world leaders and organisations to arrest the ugly development.

Specifically, the ILO said combined actions, global and national, are crucial in countries which confront massive decent work deficits and excessive inequalities while their financial resources and institutional capacities were limited.

Findings by Investors King revealed that Nigeria is one of the countries of the world that could be severely hit by the looming unemployment and poverty.

Already, the most populous black nation in Africa has been ranked the poverty capital of the world.

In another report issued by the agency, it was stated that millions of jobs in Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan countries face the dire risk of high unemployment in 2023.

The ILO expressed worry that the Russia-Ukraine war pushed millions more Nigerians into poverty in 2022 and many would be further impoverished this year if concerted and very urgent measures are not taken.

American multinational investment bank and financial services company Goldman Sachs has revealed plans to eliminate more than 3,290 positions as it battles a tough economic environment.

The investment bank revenue plunged massively last year, amid a slowdown in Mergers and share openings, marking a massive reversal from profitable 2021.

This has spurred the bank to propose the laying off of over 3,000 jobs, although sources disclose that it is an estimation as the final number is yet to be disclosed.

Recall that last year in December, Goldman Sachs revealed plans to cut thousands of employees to navigate a difficult economic environment.

The company’s CEO David Solomon revealed that the headcount reduction will begin in January 2023, in an open letter to all workers.

The CEO wrote in his letter, “We are conducting a careful review and while discussions are still ongoing, we anticipate our headcount reduction will take place in the first half of January 2023.

“There are a variety of factors impacting the business landscape, including Tightening monetary conditions that are slowing down economic activity. For our leadership team, the focus is on preparing the firm to weather these headwinds.”

Goldman Sachs is currently going through a critical period in its finances, as the company’s net sales were down 57 percent year-on-year in its third quarter (Q3) report for 2022.

Also, its net revenues from corporate landing were down to 77 percent, while equity underwriting was down to 79 percent compared to the third quarter (Q3) of 2021.

It is however interesting to note that as the Investments bank revenue and profits declined in the past years, its headcount rose significantly. It had a total of 49,100 employees at the end of the third quarter after it added a significant number of staff during the Covid-19 era.

Investors King understands that Goldman Sachs is not the only financial firm that is currently faced with headwinds due to the current economic downturn that has affected the global financial market.

Other financial giants such as Deutsche Bank, Barclays, Morgan Stanley, and Credit Suisse Group, have all slowed down hiring, with some laying off some of their workforces to navigate the economic downturn.

The Federal Government has set a presidential panel on salary increments for civil servants in order to reflect the increase in the prices of consumer goods.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, disclosed this to State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that the panel is currently reviewing salaries with a plan to announce its decision in early 2023.

Investors King could recall that the Minister of Labour and Employment had earlier insinuated that the FG will review the salaries of civil servants upwards to cushion the effect of inflation.

While speaking to journalists, Ngige said “the Presidential Committee on Salaries is working hand-in-hand with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. The commission is mandated by the Act establishing them to fix salaries, wages, and emoluments in not only the public service”. 

Citing the 8-month-long ASUU strike and strikes by medical practitioners earlier in the year, the minister further noted that 2022 was a tough year for the ministry. He described 2022 as “a year of industrial dispute.”

It would be recalled that the Academic Staff Union of Universities embarked on an industrial strike over unfulfilled agreements with the Federal Government. Thereby paralysing academic activities in universities across Nigeria. 

While the Federal Government had a rough year with labour unions, Ngige, however acknowledged that the private sector was able to manage its affairs better. He noted that there was calm in the private sector, unlike the public sector.

“They could do collective bargaining very easily with their workers. The banking sector, food and beverage, finance, and insurance, everywhere. So, there is calm there. We didn’t have the desired calmness on the government’s side because of the government’s finances”. 

When asked when there will be an update on the salary review, the minister said “as we enter the New Year, the government will make some pronouncements in that direction. Hopefully, within available resources, the government can do something in the coming year.”