The First Weeks of the Coronavirus Crisis: Who Got Hit, When and Why? Evidence from Norway

Annette Alstadsæter, Bernt Bratsberg (), Gaute Eielsen, Wojciech Kopczuk, Simen Markussen, Oddbjørn Raaum and Knut Røed ()

No 27131, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: Using real-time register data we document the magnitude, dynamics and socio-economic characteristics of the crisis-induced temporary and permanent layoffs in Norway. We find evidence that the effects of social distancing measures quickly spread to industries that were not directly affected by policy. Close to 90% of layoffs are temporary, although this classification may change as the crisis progresses. Still, there is suggestive evidence of immediate stress on a subset of firms that manifests itself in permanent rather than temporary layoffs. We find that the shock had a strong socio-economic gradient, hit a financially vulnerable population, and parents with younger children, and was driven by layoffs in smaller, less productive, and financially weaker firms. Consequently though, the rise in unemployment likely overstates the loss of output associated with the layoffs by about a third.

JEL-codes: E24 J11 J4 J6 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020-05
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-lab, nep-mac and nep-ure
Note: EFG LS
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (48)

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Working Paper: The first weeks of the coronavirus crisis: Who got hit, when and why? Evidence from Norway (2020)
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