Job loss and Covid-19: an analysis on the impacts of remote work and automation

Using a unique dataset from a dedicated Cedefop Skills Forecast scenario on the impacts of COVID-19, this paper explores two possible determinants of expected job loss in the European Union (EU) due to the pandemic, namely the potential of work from home and the impacts of automation. Our findings suggest that less remote work and more automation are both related to future job losses across countries and occupations. These links are stronger in 2020-2021 at the country level, while becoming significant at the occupation level after 2022 when several protective measures taken by EU governments are expected to have been lifted.