What, Who, Why and Ways out of the Informal Economy: A Brief Review of Key Definitions and Approaches

Webb, Aleksandra; McQuaid, Ronald W; Rand, Sigrid

doi:10.5771/9783957103598-23

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…On the other hand, there may be countering effects as workers seeking greater job and health security and a more effective unemployment safety net. This type of “gig” or short-term work has a long history (MacDonald and Giazitzoglu, 2019; Webb et al , 2019). The notion of “day labourers” in many countries today echoes the “lump labour” idea from the last century, denoting dock workers standing in a queue to be hired for the day if they were needed by the employer, but not paid if they were not chosen.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The motives for employers arise mostly from competition, financial constraints, lack of awareness and inappropriate understanding of compliance or a deliberate choice not to comply (ILO, 2015). Thus, it is clear that the economic activities in the informal economy can be hidden from the authorities and institutions not just for financial gain, but also to avoid regulatory responsibilities (Medina and Schneider, 2018; Williams, 2011; Webb et al , 2019). This includes entrepreneurial activities in the early stages of product development or trading when a higher risk of failure and financial loss is involved (Williams and Martinez, 2014).…”

Section: Who Engages With the Informal Economy And Why?mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Employment in the informal economy: implications of the COVID-19 pandemic

Webb

McQuaid

Rand

2020

IJSSP

Self Cite

102

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PurposeAlthough the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic appears to disproportionately affect those in informal employment, they often receive less government support than the formally employed. This paper considers definitions of the informal economy and informal employment, explores the rationale for participating in the informal economy and reflects on some effects of the pandemic on these workers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a narrative literature review with analysis of the selected academic and policy literature.FindingsThere are considerable short- and long-term implications of the pandemic for informal employment and the informal economy. This occurs against the background of unresolved tensions arising from informal workers' desire for more employment security and employers' striving for continued labour flexibility while transferring costs to government and workers. The COVID-19 pandemic might accelerate current trends and force new solutions to better protect basic work security while helping organisations to remain competitive. Government policies supporting work safety, income security, moves to formalisation of employment and fairness for informal employees are particularly important.Research limitations/implicationsAs statistical and qualitative evidence is currently limited, it is too early to identify the full effects of COVID-19 on employment in the informal economy.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that governments need to carefully consider explicit support for those in informal employment to create fair, resilient and ethical structures for workers, businesses, economies and wider societies.Social implicationsThe paper identifies some of the social implications of COVID-19 for the informal sector.Originality/valueThe analysis offers initial insights into the impacts of a major health, economic and social shock on informal working.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%