Impacting more than 10 million people, on 6 February Turkey experienced a 7.7 magnitude earthquake centred in south-eastern city of Kahramaras. More than 50,000 people lost their lives and over 100,000 people were wounded amid the subsequent devastation, according to official numbers.

On top of the resulting humanitarian crisis, the destruction adversely affected the economy and labour market – many workplaces were destroyed or seriously damaged, and employers had to cease operations, leading to unpaid salaries and layoffs.