As technology evolves and the average low-skilled laborer does not, Turkey may have an unemployment crisis on its hand in the near future.
In the last decade or so, many workers in this category enjoyed employment thanks to a credit boom, which fueled many jobs in retail, construction, and services. The average lucky worker was paid minimum wage, which included state medical insurance and pension contributions. Even though many were working, the unemployment rate for them was still above 10%.
Of course, I am only talking about the official or legally low-skilled worker who is registered with SGK (Social Security Adm.) and the above figure doesn’t take into account the number working under the table in cheap intensive labor jobs. If you did include them in the official unemployment rate, it would be over 20%, easily.
Nowadays, the employment picture for them is deteriorating not only because of the sluggish economy and cheap immigrant labor but also the advances in technology.
Here is a list of the biggest technological threats to the low skilled in Turkey:
- Artificial intelligence
- Advanced automation
- Robotics
- Programs and apps
- 3D printing
- Drones
- Driverless cars
You can only image what will happen to these people; and yes, new employment opportunities will emerge but with limits.
The employment prospects for low-skilled laborer in Turkey is fairly bleak in the next 5 to 7 years with the advances in technology.
However, it is not too late for these people to upgrade their skills, get vocational training or learn a new trade. If the government in conjunction with the private sector can manage to elevate their skill level or train them, then the impact will be softer.
Unfortunately, many in Turkey have limited faith in the government to to anything to help them evolve with the times. If that is the case, then people need to take action alone and improve themselves any way possible. In addition, maybe thinking about the phrase “sink or swim” may light the fire under their pants to take action.
Regardless, it will be a winding and rough road ahead.
