19.7% of employment in the 071 area has come to an abrupt halt. Sectors such as catering, retail and culture are hit hard. That 19.7% will not just get going as soon as the measures from the government have been lifted. The lock is slowly moving away from these sectors if measures are relaxed. A further 28% of employment will suffer, especially in the aftermath of the crisis, because supplier chains are disrupted (such as in industry) or because preparation and decision-making are delayed (such as in construction). The remaining 52% of employment is more resilient economically, including the large health and life sciences cluster.
This is apparent from an initial study into the economic effects of the corona crisis for the Leiden region. This analysis was carried out by bureau Blaauwberg, on behalf of Economie071. On the basis of foreign and historical experiences, the researchers expect the crisis to have a long aftermath. Although small-scale economic activities are expected to become possible again later this spring, large crowds and international events are likely to be delayed well into 2021. The researchers expect that it will take a long time for the ‘meeting industry’ of catering, culture and tourism to return to normal. In order to limit the damage to ‘leisure & hospitality’, it would in that case be wise to focus on clear and controllable numbers of visitors.
To limit the damage to the 30% of jobs that are vulnerable, especially after the restrictions on coronavirus have been lifted, the researchers advise to continue the normal work as well as possible. That is to say, maintain supply chains and continue to make plans.
The researchers will provide a follow-up analysis for the Leiden region in a few weeks. This concerns the municipalities of Katwijk, Leiden, Leiderdorp, Oegstgeest, Voorschoten and Zoeterwoude. With the analysis, Economie071 wants to provide insight into the state of affairs for the Leiden region, share this knowledge and thus facilitate the discussion on a regional scale. The insights for the Dune and Bulb Region are also examined. Bureau Blaauwberg also made an analysis for that region on behalf of the Economic Board Dune and Bulb Region.
You can respond to the insights for the Leiden region via www.forum071.nl.
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