A desktop study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the gig economy from a mobility and energy use perspective

Abstract

The various worldwide lockdowns imposed as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic have caused dramatic disruptions to businesses and supply chains, and to most people’s routines and previous ways of life, but more so to individuals who were already vulnerable by virtue of having to rely on mostly insecure gig work for their livelihood, and to workers who were laid off from previously secure employment. The proportion of people who can enjoy reasonable financial stability and holistic wellbeing by relying on established, full-time, secure, steady employment, complete with annual vacation leave, sick leave, eventual pension assurance, plus health, injury, death and dependents’ insurance, has been decreasing since the mid-1970s, as concurrently, precarious employment keeps increasing. During health and/or financial crisis situations, precariously-employed persons are the most vulnerable, and the first to experience most hardships. Primarily based on a survey of existing journal articles, grey literature and current affairs sources, this study aimed to identify changing work structures, especially with regards to livelihoods and wellbeing of gig and contingent workers, along with relevant equity, mobility and energy supply issues. Some gaps in the existing research literature were identified, and several suggestions for further research are presented, together with an overview of important caveats.