COVID-19 and Informal Work in 11 Cities – Executive Summary

Abstract

Key findings include:

Earnings for informal workers interviewed are still far below their pre-pandemic levels. By mid-2021, the typical worker was only earning 64%2 of her/his pre-COVID-19 earnings. Most respondents have not fully recovered their ability to work. The average number of days worked per week was only four in mid-2021, still considerably lower than the 5.5-day average in the pre-pandemic period. Home-based workers have been particularly hard-hit, especially subcontracted workers. In mid-2021, typical earnings of this group were only 2% of pre-pandemic levels, reflecting the depth of devastation in this predominantly female sector. Subcontracted home-based workers, who depend on orders paid by piece rate, were hardest hit among this group.