There has been a disproportionate decrease in the labour force participation rate for women. Many women have simply exited the workforce and have withdrawn looking for work, shouldering the additional burden of taking care of the household in ways not measured by our traditional economic models. In addition, women are disproportionately employed in industries and jobs that make them particularly vulnerable. Women in casual or part time employment, for example, or in low-wage industries or jobs requiring low levels of qualifications are more likely to be subjected to reductions in hours. Women are also more likely to have lost their jobs or suffered a fall in earnings since the coronavirus pandemic took hold, widening the gender pay gap. While the Government’s economic relief package aims to restore jobs and boost transitions to new industries, the job sectors being targeted by these recovery policies are industries that are traditionally more male-dominated. The focus on ‘shovel ready’ projects will benefit workforces dominated by men — such as construction, forestry, electricity, gas, water and waste services. This is particularly of concern given that it takes longer for women’s incomes to recover from post-crisis recessions. Women risk, once again, losing out and being left behind in the economic recovery. The widening of the race and gender pay gaps in Aotearoa New Zealand risks being more than a temporary pandemic-related glitch. Some of the industries most severely affected by the pandemic are also those that produce high concentrations of poverty in working households. This includes accommodation and food services, retail, construction, administrative and support services, and arts and recreation. Those working in industries that rely on casual, temporary, part-time and migrant labour are likely to be hardest hit. Younger age groups, in particular 20-29 year olds, were the most likely to become unemployed during Alert Level 4. Meanwhile, there was a mandated reduced participation in the workforce by older people, which is a reversal of the previous trend over the last 10 years. Older people who leave the workforce when close to retirement age may never return. Migrants are another group which have been particularly affected, as many are losing the jobs on which their visas depend, making their future in Aotearoa New Zealand uncertain. Eligibility for Work and Income (WINZ) benefits includes a minimum period of residence for migrants (excluding refugees), which results in some migrants facing poverty to rely on community services and the charity sector for support. Their financial stress has often been compounded by the social pressures of discrimination, racism, and xenophobia, which have been particularly prevalent during this crisis. This risks pushing people into poverty and/or further entrenching the poverty cycle for many. Other groups, such as self-employed, disabled people, rainbow communities, students, migrant workers and others, are also most vulnerable to these employment and income impacts. He Urupare Tika Tangata mō te Pōharatanga ō ngā Whānau Whaimahi 7