CHALLENGES FACED BY GIG WORKERS AND FREELANCERS DURING COVID-19

Abstract

The unpredictable and unexpected breakout of COVID-19pandemic has an impact on economic health of numerous enterprises throughout the world. The purpose of this article is to objectively assess level of destruction faced by Indian gig workers and freelancers as a result of the epidemic restrictions. This research critically examines the unpredictability and unlawful behaviors of freelancers, as well as how gig workers in India are exploited on occasion as a result of their unemployed status. The report concisely outlined issues faced by Indian gig workers and freelancers at the start of the shutdown. The Economic Survey, 2020-21emphasizes rising importance of the gig economy in India amidst pandemic-induced lockdown, which has resulted in massive development in online retail market. Employers initiated layoffs & instead hired freelancers or flexi-staff to save overhead expenses. Many studies have been made to examine impact of current pandemic on economy & stock markets, but relatively few have focused on epidemic's impact on gig workers. The current study attempts to fill this gap by evaluating impact of COVID-19on gig workers and freelancers by determining whether an increase in new COVID-19 cases leads to an increase in number of gig workers in Indian economy, or whether it has a significant impact on gig workers & freelancers.