Green jobs, labour market transitions and social protection : longitudinal analysis for Viet Nam

This article examines labour market transitions towards green employment in Viet Nam and their relationship to social protection. Using a task-based approach and longitudinal labour force survey data, we find that green jobs remain limited, accounting for only 15 per cent of total employment. Transition rates vary significantly by demographic characteristics: younger workers and women face greater difficulties in accessing green employment. Educational attainment is a key determinant, such that individuals with tertiary education are more likely to move into green occupations. Social insurance coverage is positively associated with transitions from brown or neutral jobs to green jobs among those with tertiary education, and negatively linked to the likelihood of moving from green to brown occupations. In contrast, it does not appear to facilitate transitions to green occupations for workers with lower levels of education. These findings highlight the need for integrated policy frameworks that combine social protection and education to promote inclusive green transitions in developing countries.