Thematic analysis and practical advice

  1. Answering key questions around informality in micro and small enterprises during the COVID-19 crisis

    14 September 2020

  2. Extending social protection to informal workers in the COVID-19 crisis. Country responses and policy considerations

    04 September 2020

    The COVID-19 crisis and its economic and social impacts are particularly harsh for workers in the informal economy and their families. Almost 1.6 billion informal workers are affected by the lockdown and containment measures and/or are working in the hardest-hit sectors.

  3. Impact of the COVID-19 crisis on loss of jobs and hours among domestic workers

    15 June 2020

    The ILO estimates that, in the early stages of the pandemic, on 15 March 2020, 49.3% of domestic workers were significantly impacted. This figure peaked at 73.7% on 15 May, before reducing to 72.3% on 4 June.

  4. The impact of COVID-19 on the informal economy

    08 May 2020

    Almost 1.6 billion informal economy workers are significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a 60 per cent decline in their earnings. For those workers, stopping work or working remotely at home is not an option. Staying home means losing their jobs and, for many, it also means losing their livelihoods.

  5. COVID-19 and the informal economy in Africa

    07 May 2020

    The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect in Africa, particularly in the informal economy where 325 million workers make their living. Lockdown measures have significantly impacted their lives, along with the many informal enterprises that are at risk of closure.

  6. Beyond contagion or starvation: Giving domestic workers another way forward

    05 May 2020

    In the wake of COVID-19, governments around the world have called on people to take one most important action: to stay home. But for many workers, staying home has meant losing their jobs, or worse still, losing their livelihoods.

  7. Promoting transition to formality for peace and resilience

    12 February 2020