The outbreak of the COVID-19 disease has had a disruptive effect
on the global economy especially as it relates the employment
status of millions. The International Labour Organisation (ILO), in
a preliminary report, has projected that the COVID-19 pandemic will
push millions of people into unemployment, underemployment and
working poverty.
There is uncertainty as to when the compulsory lockdown in Lagos
and Ogun States, and the Federal Capital Territory will be lifted.
It is equally uncertain that there will be an immediate upswing in
economic activities to enable businesses regain lost ground and
trigger economic recovery. Employers are faced with the unpleasant
prospect of paying the salaries of largely idle workers (in
addition to the attendant statutory obligations), cutting salaries
or letting them go. Already, major football clubs in England, Italy
and Spain have had to reduce salaries of their players by as much
as 70%. Just yesterday, US law firm, Cadwalader
