A project has been underway now for 6 months to help us understand the effects of the pandemic on the local economy and what lies ahead in the coming months.
The Chatham-Kent Workforce Planning Board is publishing a Post Pandemic Scenario planning report.
Many consultations with local stakeholders went into this report.
It’s part part of a larger report prepared by the entire Southwestern region.
It will provide the Chatham-Kent region with a strategic framework to plan ahead.
Kristy Jacobs is the project manager, and says health issues play a major role in the findings.
“Health issues have always been very personal , so it’s being able to break down some of those barriers, and have those conversations. To let your employees know that there are those supports available to them, those kinds of things. Normally when we talk about retaining workers we talk about keeping them competitive in the workforce. Again a lot of this report pivoted to mental health so it’s making sure they are safe. Making sure they feel safe. Making sure they can get to work and be present there”.
The findings also include a need for financing to train workers with new skills, and lending strong support to areas of the economy that are already experiencing recovery.
