Introduction

Recent statistics reveal that the global outbreak and continuing spread of Corona Virus “COVID-19” has occasioned the death of about 14,700 people across various continents, and the pandemic has severely impacted and had far-reaching effects across global economies and socio-political structures and operations. According to CNBC, the outbreak of the disease has brought about slump in oil prices, service contraction, decreased manufacturing activities, reduction in stock prices etc. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has therefore estimated that almost 25 (Twenty-Five) Million jobs could be lost worldwide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of self-quarantine and social distancing. In this light, the COVID-19 pandemic has been described as not just a health crisis, but also a significant labour market and economic crisis.

Many employment contracts do not contemplate or make provisions for employment relationships in the event of a force majeure or unforeseen pandemic. This raises issues such as whether and in what circumstances an employer can rescind the obligation to pay salaries or an employee who is unable to come to work may not be able to insist on a right to receive salary.

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