The construction sector in Turkey, like many industries worldwide, has faced unprecedented challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A recent study published in the ‘Sakarya Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü Dergisi’ highlights the socio-economic repercussions of the pandemic on this vital industry, revealing a stark increase in unemployment and job insecurity among construction workers.
Led by Mehmet İnanç Onur from ESKİŞEHİR TEKNİK ÜNİTESİ, MÜHENDİSLİK FAKÜLTESİ, the research surveyed 598 participants from the construction sector to assess the impact of Covid-19 on job safety and employment opportunities. The findings are alarming: the pandemic has exacerbated joblessness, making it significantly more challenging for workers to secure new positions. “Ordinary workers in the construction industry are the most vulnerable part for Covid-19 pandemic,” Onur noted, emphasizing the precarious situation faced by this demographic.
The implications of these findings extend beyond individual hardships; they signal a potential downturn in the construction sector’s recovery. With increased unemployment, there is a risk of labor shortages when projects resume, potentially leading to delays and inflated costs. The survey highlighted that job safety concerns have also risen, which may deter new entrants into the field and further complicate the industry’s recovery trajectory.
As the construction sector grapples with these challenges, the need for strategic interventions becomes clear. Policymakers and industry leaders may need to consider targeted support measures, such as job retraining programs and enhanced safety protocols, to stabilize the workforce and reignite growth.
The research serves as a critical reminder of the pandemic’s far-reaching effects and the urgent need for a robust response to safeguard the future of the construction industry in Turkey. As the sector looks to rebound, understanding these socio-economic impacts will be essential in shaping effective strategies that not only address immediate concerns but also lay the groundwork for a more resilient future.
