COVID-19 Pandemic, Lockdown and the Indian Labour Market: Evidence from Periodic Labour Force Survey 2018–2019

Abstract

Using the PLFS 2018-19, this study intends to analyse current labour market from the perspective of COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent lockdown and the expected slowdown in the Indian economy. We explore the questions such as: What share of workers will be able to work from home? Which are the vulnerable groups of workers in the labour market, that are likely to be the most affected? We show that 18-19% of non-farm workers are engaged in work from home (WFH) occupations, with women and urban areas having larger share of these workers. We find that 32 (10) % of non-farm workers in rural (urban) areas are vulnerable and face higher risk of job loss during a lockdown. JEL Codes: J10, J21, J63, J80, D69