The COVID-19 outbreak has dramatically changed the state’s labor force, according to a new state report, which calls for expanded training and programs to help workers transition to a post-pandemic economy.
The report released by the Legislature’s Future of Work Commission highlights myriad ways the public health crisis has upended how people work and commute. It makes recommendations on what the state government needs to do to help position workers across a broad spectrum of industries for the jobs of the future.
The authors said changes in workplaces in coming years are projected to displace up to 400,000 employees in Massachusetts, who will need to be re-skilled for careers in emerging high-technology sectors. Those efforts will require a massive collaboration between the state and private sectors, according to the report.
Rep. Lenny Mirra, R-Georgetown, a member of the panel, said the report provides a “roadmap” for policymakers to meet the needs of the state’s changing workforce.
“There’s so much that needs to be done to prepare for future, if we’re going to grow the state’s economy,” Mirra said. “Addressing the skills gap is probably the most important thing we need to do in the short term. But we also have a lot of work to do to improve childcare, housing and public transportation.”
Mirra said the report highlights how conditions have improved many people as the state emerges from the pandemic, because of rising wages and labor shortages.
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