Mortality And Economic Development During The First Wave Of The Covid-19 Pandemic In Europe €“ Sectorial Specialisation And Older Workforce

The paper aims to analyse the effects of the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in 25 countries in Europe on economic development, employment and labour in the context of increased mortality, economic lockdowns, breaks and the transitions to new labour forms, predetermined economic structures and large shares of the older workforce in an ageing Europe. The methods of comparative and situational analysis and descriptive and correlation analysis are used. Results: The countries are grouped into three categories according to the effects of the pandemic on their socio-economic development. We have attempted to assess the economic structures' impact (regarding their potential for transition to remote activities and work) on the pandemic economic consequences. The most severe consequences are observed among the countries of southern Europe. The importance of the presumed structure of economies for their adaptability to emergencies is confirmed. This is a key warning for the future policies which industries and forms of work should be stimulated. The older workforce is not in a vulnerable position, and concerns about the negative impact of an aging workforce on the ability of economies to move forward with more remote forms of work should not be exaggerated.