COVID-19, absence from work and coping strategies with income loss in Bangladesh

Abstract

Has workplace closure due to lockdown policies to control the spread of COVID-19 affected workplace hygiene, absenteeism, income loss and coping strategies in Bangladesh? Drawing on face-to-face interviews of 1,894 employees in tea, construction, ready-made garment (RMG) and leather sectors in September–October 2020, the study shows poor supply of disinfectant and sanitizer. Absenteeism was high in April 2020 in all sectors except tea but dropped later on. Two in three workers reported income losses, due to workplace closure. 20% of workers with reduced wages received governmental food distribution and 4% cash assistance, pointing to poor implementation and rise in poverty.