COVID-19 and Informal Work: Distinct Pathways of Impact and Recovery in 11 Cities Around the World

By Erofili Grapsa, Ghida Ismail, Mike Rogan, Marcela Valdivia, Laura Alfers, Jenna Harvey, Ana Carolina Ogando, Sarah Orleans Reed, Sally Roever on May 31, 2021

This paper presents findings from a study on the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on informal workers in 11 cities across 5 regions of the world (Asia, Africa, Latin America, North America and Eastern Europe). A unique feature of the study is that it examines the degree – and pathways – of impact on different sectors of informal workers and, within sectors, by key variables (status in employment, place of work, goods/services provided, and gender). Also, the study provides insights from informal workers in their own words. The paper concludes with common demands for recovery by local organizations of informal workers and a call for a Better New Deal for informal workers.

Click here for all COVID-19 and the Informal Economy City Fact Sheets

Click here for Summary of Demands of Informal Worker Organizations

Click here for all Study Materials

View list of all: Working Papers