For the first time, the number of inactive Brazilians, meaning, those without a job and not currently looking for one, has exceeded the 40% mark. The highest index was spotted in the quarters that finished in July and August when the indicator reached 45.3% - the historical average being 38.9%.
The data is from a study by the FEA / USP Professor and coordinator of the Fipe's Salariômetro Project, Hélio Zylberstajn. He used data from all the IBGE's Pnad Contínua surveys to reach these parameters.
Adding the unemployed Brazilians (those in search of work) to this contingent, the number of people out of work has reached 53.2%, a record.
According to Zylberstajn, when the pandemic arrived in Brazil, between March and April, the labor market suffered a huge blow, mainly the informal workers who, due to the restrictive circulation measures, were prevented from carrying out their activities.
Over time, the formal employees were also affected, but with lower intensity. This was due to an interim measure that allowed companies to suspend contracts or reduce the working hours and wages of employees who received a supplementary income from the government.
Translated by Cassy Dias