COVID-19 Leveraging and Protecting the Gig Economy against - MEASURES BY GIG ECONOMY AND GOVERNMENTS AROUND THE WORLD
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Leveraging and
Protecting the Gig
Economy against
COVID-19
MEASURES BY GIG ECONOMY AND
GOVERNMENTS AROUND THE WORLD
A REPORT BY
APRIL 2020
Ola Mobility Institute (OMI) is the policy research and social innovation
think-tank of Ola, focused on developing knowledge frameworks at the
intersection of mobility and public good. The institute concerns itself with
public research on the social and economic impact of mobility as a service,
electric mobility, climate change, future of work and the mobility economy,
transit-oriented planning, digitalisation of mobility, accessibility, safety, and
gender. All research conducted at OMI is funded by ANI Technologies Pvt.
Ltd. (the parent company of brand Ola).
www.ola.institute
mobilityinstitute@olacabs.com
https://twitter.com/OlaMobilityInst
https://medium.com/@mobilityinstitute
AUTHORS: Aishwarya Raman & Sreelakshmi Ramachandran
CONTRIBUTORS: Yeshwanth Reddy, Snehil Singh, Carson Dalton & Anand Shah
REPORT DESIGN: Chromatick Design, rashi@chromatickdesign.com
SUGGESTED CITATION: Raman, A. & Ramachandran, S. (2020). Leveraging and
Protecting the Gig Economy against COVID-19. Ola Mobility Institute.
DISCLAIMER
Neither Ola, Ola Mobility Institute nor any party associated with this report
will be liable for any loss or damage incurred by the use of this report.
© Ola Mobility Institute
Copyright 2020 Ola Mobility Institute. This work is licensed under the Creative
Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license,
visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
CONTENTS SUMMARY 5 Social Partnerships to win over COVID-19 HOW COVID-19 HAS CHANGED THE WORLD 6 LEVERAGING AND PROTECTING THE GIG ECONOMY FOR A RESILIENT FUTURE 10 2.1 Lessons from the past 2.2. Businesses and Governments in Action 2.3. Leveraging the Gig Economy for Recovery and Resilience 2.4. Protecting the Gig Economy THE BRAVE NEW WORLD AHEAD 23 RESOURCES 24
SUMMARY
SOCIAL PARTNERSHIPS TO WIN OVER COVID-19
COVID-19 has caught the world off- Therefore, first, gig workers and their livelihoods. Governments
guard. The pandemic “is a powerful platforms must be leveraged have announced policy measures
reminder of our interconnectedness to manage the crisis, fast-track - from fiscal and monetary policies
and vulnerabilities”, as was recovery and build resilience. such as unemployment benefits,
noted in the Extraordinary G20 Such collaborations between tax relief and targeted liquidity
Leaders’ Summit1 in March 2020. governments and businesses - i.e. provisions, to lending and financial
This outbreak has caused an ‘Social Partnerships’ - are crucial support - to minimise the human and
unprecedented disruption to life and and are underway. Governments economic impact of COVID-19 and
livelihoods, forcing billions of people have recognised the potential of particularly protect the gig workers.
across the globe to stay at home. gig workers in this crisis, by broadly Additionally, concrete steps in the
adopting two non-fiscal strategies: direction of protecting gig workers
This dual crisis of health and economy a) actively involving platforms’ for future resilience need to be taken.
is adversely affecting gig workers technological capability and logistical Revisiting labour classifications and
as well. As a departure from the networks (hands-on approach), and b) restructuring social security nets may
traditional dichotomy of formal and passively facilitating their operations be in order once the pandemic ends.
informal workers, gig workers have the through legal protection (hands-off
flexibility to work when they want and approach). The agility of businesses Overall, this report - a reckoner
be associated with multiple platforms implies fewer challenges to staffing to those who are preparing
simultaneously. Gig work powered their gig workforce, while also for community wellbeing and
by digital platforms all over the world providing remunerative opportunities business continuity - showcases
includes a variety of “jobs” or micro- to gig workers. Undoubtedly, the commitment of new economy
entrepreneurial opportunities: from platforms have come to the rescue businesses alongside governments
ride-hailing to delivery & professional of the public in this unprecedented to safeguard people’s livelihoods.
services and providing homestays situation, and gig workers are the “Stronger Together” is the motto of
as a service, each a small business in footsoldiers of this initiative. the moment, and with this report,
their own right. Gig work constitutes we commit to this cause and urge
essential public services and adds Second, to protect gig workers, governments and businesses to heed
tremendous value to local economies, new economy businesses are this clarion call.
putting money in the hands of people strengthening safety measures,
on a daily basis. However this does not adapting the work environment,
make them immune to the economic providing health access to all,
effects of the outbreak. expanding paid leave, and securing
1 Extraordinary G20 Leaders’ Summit: Statement on Covid-19. March 26, 2020. 5
http://www.g20.utoronto.ca/2020/2020-g20-statement-0326.html
HOW COVID-19
1 HAS CHANGED
THE WORLD
The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted the world and has
paralysed healthcare and economic systems. Ironically,
in an otherwise fast-paced world, “going viral” has
become less desirable. It is imperative to take measures
to mitigate this pandemic’s impact and build resilient
communities for the future. Currently, many steps
are being taken by governments to ensure minimal
disruption to life and are complemented by initiatives of
the new economy platform companies deriving strength
from their technological prowess and the skills of their
gig workers.
1.1. GLOBAL IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON LIVELIHOODS
A number of people have tested of the world population is under
positive for the virus; some have lockdown, with restricted movement.
recovered, while some have This has cut off access for billions to
unfortunately succumbed2. The education, incomes or livelihoods,
impact on health infrastructure transportation and non-COVID
in every country is overwhelming healthcare services. When the reset
and the economic ripple effects of button is pressed and the world
such a spread are expected to be starts rebuilding, it will be apparent
long lasting and may not be fully that the road to recovery is not
quantified immediately. In short, this the same for everyone. Here, we
is as much a global economic crisis as need to especially account for the
it is a health emergency. interests of the small businesses,
the self-employed and gig workers.
The economic fallout from this black This is a crisis of unprecedented
swan3 event (an event that has scale, requiring a coordinated
permanently changed how we live global response and it is now upon
and do business) is unparalleled. governments and businesses to work
For the first time in a century, most together to find solutions to fight the
effects of this pandemic.
2 Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. March 31,2020. https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
3 Winston, A. (2020). Is the COVID-19 Outbreak a Black Swan or the New Normal? March 16, 2020. https://sloanreview. 7
mit.edu/article/is-the-covid-19-outbreak-a-black-swan-or-the-new-normal/
LEVERAGING AND PROTECTING THE GIG ECONOMY AGAINST COVID-19
Screenshot of Coronavirus Resource Center Dashboard. The Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at
Johns Hopkins University is tracking global COVID-19 cases, totalling 7,35,560 active cases and 34,686 deaths as of
31 March 2020.
Source: Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. March 31, 2020.
1.2. THE CASE FOR SMALL
BUSINESSES AND GIG WORKERS
Entrepreneurs and small businesses especially given the context of a for its personnel. Ride-hail platforms
are the backbone and engine of lockdown and restricted movement have provided drivers with masks and
growth of every economy. The across cities. While the lockdown sanitizers, created physical separation
functioning of cities4 is contingent is necessary from a public health between driver and passenger cabins,
upon these workers. Rideshare, food perspective, the needs of a and mandated regular cleaning of taxis.
delivery and groceries, logistics and shuttered-in population cannot be Another intervention involves mapping
maintenance work are all integral ignored either. Many digital platforms rideshare drivers to location-specified
to urban life; the platformisation of are taking to the task and balancing mass deliveries or to transport patients
these services has highlighted their physical distancing with public to meet the additional demand as well
ubiquity, in the absence of which, we service delivery. To ensure the safety as to expand coverage of services in
feel a complete disruption. of workers during this emergency, times of minimal public movement.
food and grocery delivery platforms
Governments are now aware of the have developed no-contact
essential nature of these services, protocols5 and temperature checks
4 Talbot, D. (2018). Small Business Is The Engine Of The City. Forbes. July 5, 2018. https://www.forbes.com/sites/
deborahtalbot/2018/06/05/small-business-is-the-engine-of-the-city/
8 5 Lomas, N. (2020). Europe’s Deliveroo and Glovo switch on contactless delivery during COVID-19 pandemic. TechCrunch. March 12,
2020. https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/12/europes-deliveroo-and-glovo-switch-on-contactless-delivery-during-covid-19-pandemic/
1.3. PROVIDING ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO SOCIETY:
ROLE OF PLATFORMS AND GIG WORKERS
The conversation has turned to Such avenues also open up
how well the state can leverage the opportunities for (re)skilling and
platform economy for public good. reattribution of workers, depending
Supporting the workers providing on the employment elasticity of the
essential services has the twin industry. Diversifying the portfolio of
benefits of ensuring delivery of skills and expanding the number of
necessary facilities while providing jobs one may be suited for is essential
income protection to those who need for a quick-hustler, the likes of whom
it the most during exigencies. In fact, are found everywhere from Seattle to
the hospitality and travel industry Sydney and Mumbai to Manchester.
workers who have been majorly Tapping into this vast pool of human
impacted by this pandemic are now resources and training them on safe
looking to e-commerce businesses6 practices is not beneficial just for a
for potential remunerative Covid-era life, but also as a standard
opportunities. Therefore, health and well being practice. To
collaborative efforts to support such quote the Reserve Bank of India
job-creators may prove beneficial for Governor Mr Shaktikanta Das,
the government over and above a “..tough times never last, only tough
reduction in fiscal stress. people and tough institutions do”7.
Beijing, China - February 24,
2020: A worker installs a sticker
reminding people about the
COVID-19 pandemic on a plastic
sheet separating the driver and
passenger compartments in a cab
at a disinfection station for Chinese
ride-hailing company, DiDi Chuxing.
Image Credit: AFP
6 Biron, B. (2020). Kroger, Amazon, and several ‘essential’ retailers are hiring for thousands of positions to meet overwhelming
demand in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Business Insider. March 19, 2020. https://www.businessinsider.in/retail/news/kroger-
amazon-and-several-essential-retailers-are-hiring-for-thousands-of-positions-to-meet-overwhelming-demand-in-the-face-of-the-
coronavirus-pandemic/articleshow/74719192.cms
7 RBI (2020). Governors’ Statement, Seventh Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2019-20, March 27, 2020. https://rbidocs.rbi.org. 9
in/rdocs/Content/PDFs/GOVERNORSTATEMENT5DDD70F6A35D4D70B49174897BE39D9F.PDF
LEVERAGING AND PROTECTING THE GIG ECONOMY AGAINST COVID-19
LEVERAGING AND
2 PROTECTING THE
GIG ECONOMY FOR A
RESILIENT FUTURE
102.1 LESSONS FROM THE PAST
COVID-19 is a global health crisis affecting all socio-economic sectors8.
In a timely note on the impact of and policy responses to COVID-19, the
International Labour Organization (ILO) shares a series of learnings - from the
world’s handling of the global financial crisis, swine flu, SARS, MERS, Ebola
Virus Disease, etc. - relevant to the current situation9.
First and foremost is the crucial role employment is fundamental to
played by businesses and civil society facilitate the recovery process.
in collaborating with governments Additionally, leveraging workplaces
towards a common goal. Termed as focal points for dissemination of
social partnerships, these information, communication, and
engagements are critical for crisis sensitisation on safety and health,
management, accelerating recovery, including prevention and protection
and building resilience. measures will help in reducing the
spread of contagious diseases.
Second, an integrated social
infrastructure (healthcare, Lastly, health emergencies hit
transportation etc.) and safety net is specific communities - such as
required to cope with emergencies women, children, the elderly, persons
and help mitigate any long-term with disabilities, the caregivers,
human and economic impact. healthcare workers, self-employed,
small businesses, et al - the hardest,
Third, in times of crisis, focusing and such populations require
on employment including self- targeted institutional attention.
2.2. BUSINESSES AND GOVERNMENTS IN ACTION
Governments and new economy companies are adopting multiple measures to
mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on gig workers, the self-employed and small
businesses. These initiatives may be grouped under the broad categories of
a) Leveraging gig work for recovery and resilience, b) Protecting gig workers
in the work environment, c) Supporting the livelihood of gig workers and their
families, and d) Stimulating the economy and labour demand.
8 Ducharme, J. (2020). World Health Organization Declares COVID-19 a ‘Pandemic.’ Here’s What That Means. TIME.
March 11, 2020. https://time.com/5791661/who-coronavirus-pandemic-declaration/
9 ILO (2020). COVID-19 and the world of work: Impact and policy responses. International Labour Organization (ILO)
Note. March 18, 2020. https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---dcomm/documents/briefingnote/ 11
wcms_738753.pdfLEVERAGING AND PROTECTING THE GIG ECONOMY AGAINST COVID-19
2.3. LEVERAGING THE GIG ECONOMY
FOR RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE
How are gig workers and platforms supporting society in crisis management,
fast-tracking recovery, and building resilience? What is the role of the
government? What non-fiscal strategies are being adopted by cities?
The need of the hour in most The learnings from China10 show how Therefore, non-fiscal policy
communities and societies is to retain super apps bouyed consumption directives by the governments
calm and restrict movement in order by means of the digital economy (i.e., measures that do not involve
to contain the spread of the virus. and delivery. The deployment of a usage of government funds)
This throws up a curious conundrum: logistics network needed for this can go a long way in rallying
while large-scale economic activity task can only be achieved with a economic productivity in this
has come to a standstill and cash in combination of robust payments period. In this moment of crisis
hand may disappear, demand for systems, widespread smartphone management, the reach and power
consumables and daily essentials and internet infrastructure and high of government functionaries
remains. Services of babysitters, degree of usability, in simplified may be unmatched, but with the
cleaning staff, housekeepers, delivery labour markets. Adoption of online participation of the private sector
personnel and taxi-drivers are ordering and contactless payments and the self-employed, these
appreciated more than ever. In such a by digitally savvy citizens could also efforts can complement and fast-
scenario, there exists the opportunity be beneficial in the time of physical track recovery. Governments are
for gig workers to support society distancing. These are also testing adopting two non-fiscal strategies -
and augment their incomes, after grounds for a rebound in the post- a hands-on or a hands-off approach
taking necessary safety precautions. Covid world. - as follows.
Bengaluru, India - March 2020:
Cab driver-partners on Ola
platform are being sensitised
about hygiene and safety
measures to be followed against
COVID-19 at the Kempegowda
International Airport, Bengaluru.
10 Delivery Technology is Keeping Chinese Cities Afloat through Coronavirus. 17 March 2020. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.
12 org/2020/03/delivery-technology-is-keeping-chinese-cities-afloat-through-coronavirus retireved 27 March 2020HANDS-ON APPROACH
A few governments are choosing to take an active approach to utilise
and expand the services of gig workers and make them an integral part
of crisis management. These include measures to tap into companies’
resources and logistical networks, and the skills of their gig workers.
To this end, the actions of a few city administrations, government
departments and legislative bodies are worth mentioning.
• In China11, the local government • In India, a similar initiative is being facilitated visits of health workers to
in Wuhan called for 6,000 taxis to led by the Kerala State Civil Supplies around 20,000 households in the
serve urgent requests following Corporation (Supplyco) in Kochi, city. Ola has additionally pledged
the lockdown in Hubei. Dongfeng where they have partnered with 500 cabs for the state government
Automotive, the largest passenger food delivery service Zomato to of Karnataka to transport healthcare
car company in Wuhan, supported enlist grains and other essentials workers and medicines, and for
the request with 300 ride-hail on the app13. By restricting payment other emergency purposes14.
drivers from their mobility service, to online mode only and by roping
DongfengGo. Several other mobility in Zomato’s expertise in packaging • Amazon is set to help deliver
service companies also volunteered. to train their staff, this action shows COVID-19 tests in the UK to
the state’s commitment to public healthcare workers and eventually
• New York City12 is attracting health and well-being as well as the the general public, as the
licenced gig workers to deliver willingness to cooperate with the government is approaching such
food and essentials to those in private sector. private companies with large
home confinement. Besides the supply networks for ramping up
minimum wage guarantee, this • The ride-hailing platform, Ola, has testing of the population15. This also
supplements earnings for those supported the local administration provides avenues for earning.
suffering from income loss in the in Bengaluru (Bruhat Bengaluru
wake of business closures, as well Mahanagara Palike, BBMP), India, to • In a similar move, the Government
as opens up the opportunity to provide transportation for health of India’s16 Union Health Ministry
contribute to one’s community as workers to visit people quarantined is allowing the doorstep delivery
an active member of society. at home and ensure their well- of essential medicines to curb the
being. Ola and other platforms need for movement.
11 World Economic Forum. March 3, 2020. How Chinese companies are responding to Covid-19 mobility challenges. https://www.
weforum.org/agenda/2020/03/china-covid-19-coronavirus-mobility-solutions/
12 Yahoo News. 24 March 2020. NYC is offering gig workers delivery jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://au.news.yahoo.com/
nycs-taxi-limo-commission-offering-221526572.html
13 The New Indian Express. March 27, 2020. Supplyco ties up with Zomato for online delivery of essential items in Kochi. https://
www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2020/mar/27/supplyco-ties-up-with-zomato-for-online-delivery-of-essential-items-in-
kochi-2121989.html
14 Economic Times. March 30, 2020. Ola CEO offers 500 cabs for use in Covid-19 work. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-
biz/startups/newsbuzz/ola-ceo-offers-500-cabs-for-use-in-covid-19-work/articleshow/74877689.cms
15 Boseley, S. (2020). UK coronavirus home testing to be made available to millions. The Guardian. March 25, 2020. https://www.
theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/25/uk-coronavirus-mass-home-testing-to-be-made-available-within-days
16 Times of India, 26 March 2020. Covid19 lockdown: Health Ministry allows delivery of essential medicines. https://economictimes.
indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/covid-19-lockdown-health-ministry-allows-doorstep-delivery-of-essential- 13
medicines/articleshow/74834369.cmsLEVERAGING AND PROTECTING THE GIG ECONOMY AGAINST COVID-19
HANDS-OFF APPROACH
Some governments prefer to play the role of a facilitator in their
interactions with the businesses. The goal is to ensure the smooth
running of these platform services, while also affording micro-
entrepreneurs the opportunity to play an immediate part in the
mitigation of the effects of the pandemic. Some of the actions by
national governments are as follows.
• The Government of India17 is • With the need for housing away strapped resources and stretched
providing an enabling environment from home on the rise due to health systems.
for online grocery stores to deliver mandatory self-isolation, Indian
food and essentials to shut- hospitality aggregator Oyo19 has • With the backing of the French
in families during the ongoing offered rooms for quarantines government, online marketplace
lockdown. Flipkart, BigBasket and to the Delhi government. Stay startup Mirakl23 has developed a
Grofers are some of the brands platforms such as AirBnB20 (and marketplace called StopCOVID19.
that have secured permission Oyo21) have also offered crucial fr to centralise the supply and
to service grocery requests in free or highly subsidized homes demand of essential hygiene
cities. This enables the hiring of to medical professionals and first products during the fight against
a larger number of warehouse responders in the US to facilitate COVID-19 to hospitals and
workers and delivery partners as their stay near places of work, or frontline workers.
online orders increase, offsetting away from home for self-isolation.
job losses in other sectors such The governments have taken note • In a pan-African response,
as travel & tourism, sales and of these initiatives and expressed e-commerce firm Jumia has
restaurant service to a certain their appreciation to the platforms. committed to donating certified
extent. Further, the Government face masks to health ministries
of India18 has notified all States • In an effort to partner with in Kenya, Ivory Coast, Morocco,
and Union Territories to exempt government agencies to leverage Nigeria and Uganda, drawing on
e-commerce operations from any their freight network, Uber22 has its supply networks outside Africa.
prohibitory order. This is in view of announced discussions with the The company has offered African
the lockdown announced across the Federal Government in the US to governments use of its last-mile
country, and the necessity to ensure potentially deliver testing kits to delivery network for distribution
smooth delivery of essential goods expand detection. This could prove of supplies to healthcare facilities
and services to all citizens while extremely important in times of and workers.24
practicing physical distancing.
17 Business Today. 24 March 2020. Flipkart, BigBasket, Grofers to restart deliveries today. https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/
flipkart-big-basket-grofers-to-restart-deliveries-today/story/399232.html
18 Directive 2020, 20 March, 2020. Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India. https://www.simpliance.in/files/covid_
docs/1584971181E-CommerceOperationsToBeExemptedFromAnyKindOfProhibitoryOrders.pdf
19 The Economic Times, 24 March 2020. Oyo in talks with Delhi govt to offer quarantine rooms.https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/
small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/oyo-in-talks-with-delhi-govt-to-offer-quarantine-rooms/articleshow/74784593.cms
20 The Verge, 26 March 2020. AirBnb asks its hosts to provide 100,000 free rentals to first responders. https://www.theverge.
com/2020/3/26/21195307/airbnb-free-first-responders-hosts-coronavirus-rentals
21 Business Standard, 25 March 2020. Oyo offers free stay to medical staff, first responders in the US. https://www.business-standard.
com/article/companies/oyo-offers-free-stay-to-medical-staff-first-responders-in-the-us-120032500519_1.html
22 Business Insider, 19 March 2020, Uber says its working with health officials to deliver Coronavirus tests. https://www.businessinsider.
in/business/news/uber-says-its-working-with-health-officials-to-deliver-coronavirus-tests/articleshow/74714705.cms
23 Medium, 24 March 2020, StopCodiv.fr: A platform to help hospital workers fight coronavirus safely. https://medium.com/@philippe_
corrot/stopcovid19-fr-a-platform-to-help-hospital-workers-fight-the-virus-safely-6cf30d883fcb
14 24 TechCruch, 23 March 2020, Jumia Adapts pan-Africa E-commerce response to Covid-19. https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/22/
jumia-adapts-pan-african-e-commerce-network-in-response-to-covid-19/ retreived 27 March 2020.While the approaches may be opportunity for recognising and were placed on them, by testing
different, the underlying and redefining the role of platforms. and piloting their autonomous
unifying goal is to leverage gig Expansion of these services would delivery services, so as to minimise
workers and platforms to build also bode well for labour surplus human contact. Keenon Robotics
resilience by ensuring supply of markets, while also supplementing went ahead and delivered meals
essential goods and services, automation efforts to ensure in hospitals and quarantine rooms
especially for the vulnerable personal safety. This is evident using robots in 40 cities. This paves
population. With more proactive from the ways in which Chinese the way for opportunities to upskill
measures being put in place to companies such as JD.com and or re-skill workers for a Future of
stave off the pandemic-induced Meituan25 innovated earlier this Work that is hinged on technology
slowdown, this also provides an year when mobility restrictions and platforms.
India - March 2020: A Swiggy
partner delivering food while
wearing a protective mask during
the pandemic of COVID-19.
Image Credit: BP Deepu, EPS
Bengaluru, India - March 2020:
The Bengaluru South Corona Task
Force partnered with the ride-
hailing platform, Ola, to ferry the
elderly for emergencies, amidst
the pan-India lockdown.
25 WEF. 03 march 2020. How Chinese companies are responding to Covid-19 mobility challenges. https://www.weforum.org/
15
agenda/2020/03/china-covid-19-coronavirus-mobility-solutions/ retrieved 27 March 2020LEVERAGING AND PROTECTING THE GIG ECONOMY AGAINST COVID-19
2.4. PROTECTING THE GIG ECONOMY
What are businesses and governments doing to protect gig workers, the
self-employed, and small businesses26?
2.4.1. Protecting Gig Workers in the Work Environment
1) Strengthening occupational safety and health measures
• SECURING SAFETY AND Chuxing, T3 Mobility, CaoCao practice guide for driver-partners.
HEALTH THROUGH TRAINING & Mobility, Amap and Shouqi in China, 24X7 helplines also encourage
EDUCATION Grab and Gojek in South-East proactive self-reporting by drivers.
Asia; Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Zomato, In China, for instance, to help
New economy businesses have Dunzo, Flipkart,BigBasket in India; keep drivers and passengers safe,
been swift in their response to Takeaway.com in Germany, Ola companies like Shouqi and DiDi
COVID-19 by leveraging the reach of in the UK, Australia, and New have built disinfection stations all
their platforms. To secure the safety Zealand, among many others. over the country for on-demand
and health of gig workers, platforms mobility vehicles27.
have launched dedicated hotlines • MANDATING THE USE OF HAND
and websites to disseminate SANITISERS AND MASKS • EMPOWERING GIG WORKERS
information, and take preventive WITH RESOURCES AND SUPPORT
measures. Ridehail, Rideshare, Platforms, particularly those
Package Delivery, and Food Delivery handling food and other deliveries, In the US, Instacart - a grocery
Companies engaging millions of have mandated the use of hand delivery technology company -
driver- or delivery-partners, and sanitisers and masks by their has also created the Gig Workers
restaurant-partners have issued driver and delivery-partners, and Collective, a platform that enables
health guidelines specified by require them to wash their hands gig workers to connect with each
WHO to secure safety and health regularly and observe “coughing other around COVID-19-related
of all. These include new economy etiquette” as specified by WHO and information and resources. The
companies such as Amazon, health ministries around the world. platform also has a map that helps
Doordash, Lyft, Postmates, Uber, Mobility platforms also reiterate gig workers run errands for each
and Uber Eats in the US; Lagos- the importance of practising other or simply provide emotional
based venture, Paga, in Nigeria; recommended personal and support during challenging times.
mobility companies such as DiDi vehicle hygiene through a best-
26 All the initiatives by businesses and governments are grouped under various heads classified based on International Labour
Standards developed by the International Labour Organization.
16
27 He, P. & Huang, Z. (2020). How Chinese companies are responding to COVID-19 mobility challenges. World Economic Forum. March
3, 2020. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/03/china-covid-19-coronavirus-mobility-solutions/2) Adapting the work environment
• ENABLING CONTACTLESS • SERVING NEW MARKETS clients to encourage customers
DELIVERIES Batched orders for apartments to use the contactless payment
is also a feature in NinjaCart, an option on its point of sale machines.
New economy businesses handling agritech startup in India, similar to The startup - a leading payments
essential products and services the aggregated orders placed by the partner for small businesses - has
such as groceries, food, medicines, Chinese for their gated communities also accelerated its development
and mobility in general, have also in Beijing. Swiggy in India has also of a remote payment product
modified their services to enhance responded to the expanded demand that would enable transfers on
safety. Contactless Delivery is a for grocery delivery to service non- its client network via a weblink.
common feature of e-commerce partner stores as well under their Communications company
and delivery companies today. delivery offering. Safaricom in Kenya, has announced
Be it Amazon or Postmates in the that all person-to-person (P2P)
US; DoorDash in the US, Canada, • GOING DIGITAL: ENCOURAGING transactions under 1,000 Kenyan
and Australia; Yamato Transport CARDLESS, CASHLESS PAYMENTS Shillings (~ $10) would be free for
in Japan; DiDi Chuxing in China; three months, to promote m-Pesa,
Grab in South-East Asia; Uber The aforementioned platforms mobile money service, as a public
Eats in Hong Kong, the US or the all across the world are also health measure. The e-commerce
UK; Swiggy and Zomato in India; encouraging digital payments; in firm, Jumia, operating in Kenya,
Takeaway.com in Germany; among other words, cashless transactions. Ivory Coast, Morocco, Nigeria
others - have all introduced no- Card payments too are being and Uganda, will reduce fees on
contact delivery options to slow the discouraged in an effort to stem its JumiaPay finance product to
spread of the virus. the spread of coronavirus. Yoco encourage digital payments over
Card Machines in South Africa, for cash, which can be a conduit for the
instance, has issued a directive to spread of coronavirus.
Bangkok, Thailand - March 23,
2020: Grab food delivery personnel
wait for take-away orders in rows
of physical distancing-compliant
seating in a shopping mall during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
17LEVERAGING AND PROTECTING THE GIG ECONOMY AGAINST COVID-19
2.4.2. Supporting the livelihood of gig workers and their families
1) Providing health access for all & expanding paid leave
Businesses are facilitating access to has created a ‘Partner Protection get sick with COVID-19 or a public
healthcare, i.e. access to a doctor- Fund’ for driver- or delivery-partners health agency places them under
on-call or online, health insurance, who are affected by COVID-19 or are quarantine. In India, Swiggy - online
covering medical costs etc., for their under quarantine. food ordering and delivery platform
gig workers. - is supporting delivery-partners
Taking cognisance of the impact through free medical consultations.
• PROVIDING HEALTH ACCESS & of the pandemic on the health and India’s Urban Company - a platform
INSURANCE, AND COVERING livelihoods of millions, Ola in India offering urban professional services
MEDICAL EXPENSES is facilitating access to free medical at home - is contributing INR 1.5 Cr
help for all driver-partners and their to a COVID-19 relief fund to help the
The delivery company, Postmates, families. The driver-partners and families of 30,000 gig workers.
in the US, has created a relief their spouses will be covered by a
fund to support medical expenses sum of INR 30,000 under which • EXPANDING PAID SICK LEAVE
of delivery persons impacted by they will receive a compensation of
COVID-19. In China, DiDi Chuxing, INR 1,000 per day for a maximum The ride-hail platform, Uber, is
which engages 20 million drivers of 21 days for an individual from providing paid sick leave for 14 days
and delivery-partners (couriers), the date they are tested positive for for driver-partners tested positive or
has launched a special COVID-2019 COVID-19. The cover would include in quarantine, across all countries
insurance program, offering medical their hospital expenses and home it operates in. Mobility platform,
emergency allowances to drivers quarantine prescribed by a doctor. Lyft, too is offering paid sick leave
who continue working while other Ola is extending similar financial aid to its driver-partners in the US.
means of public transportation to its partners in Australia too. India’s Delhivery, courier pickup and
in China are either suspended or delivery company, has provided paid
considered unsafe. DiDi has also Similarly, the delivery partners of sick leave for all 40,000+ central
created a $10 Million Relief Fund the food delivery startup, DoorDash, and field employees and partners,
for COVID-19 Infected Drivers operational in the US, Australia, and and this policy will continue through
and Couriers in all the countries it Canada, are eligible for up to two the COVID-19 outbreak, with no
operates in. In South-East Asia, Grab weeks of financial assistance if they time stipulation.
182) Securing income and livelihoods of gig workers and small businesses
• SAFEGUARDING SMALL BUSINESSES most Grab services, whether to couriers to run errands beyond
reload mobile, or to purchase the most common food delivery
Several platforms have introduced essential food and grocery items service, such as laundry pickup
a slew of measures to secure the at up to 50% off for the families of or grocery runs. Similarly, in the
income and livelihoods of the gig gig workers. In Singapore, Grab is Philippines, to ensure sustained
workers and small businesses offering driver and delivery-partners income for its driver-partners,
associated with them. In the UK for a one-off income support of USD Grab - providing ride-hailing, food
instance, UberEats has waived off 500-1,000, and a reimbursement of delivery, and payment solutions - is
sign-up fees for restaurants joining the rental fee of drivers renting their creating new earning opportunities
the platform amidst the pandemic. vehicles from Grab. Additionally, via reattribution of workers.
Additionally, in Hong Kong, UberEats Grab’s Special Relief Fund provides Grab will conduct virtual training
is reducing the service fee for all its driver-partners supplemental sessions to onboard ride-hailing
restaurant partners and providing income for 90 days, and consists driver-partners onto GrabFood and
them with the option to receive of a combination of daily allowance GrabExpress, which will immediately
daily payments instead of weekly in from the Government and weekly connect them to consumers who
order to maintain cash flow and pay cover by Grab. India’s Ola has are increasingly relying on food
suppliers and staff. Similarly, Just also announced the creation of and parcel delivery services. This
Eat in the UK is offering commission a corpus of INR 20 crores, called will compensate for their loss of
rebates for an entire month to ‘Drive the Driver Fund’, to support income resulting from nation-wide
safeguard the income of small and auto-rickshaw, cab, kaali-peeli and lockdowns in many geographies.•
independent restaurants. taxi drivers to mitigate the effects
of the lockdown on their incomes.
• LEVERAGING FINTECH TO EXTEND Additionally, Ola has partnered with • WAIVING LEASE AND
MONETARY RELIEF FOR ALL microcredit company Avail Finance INSURANCE PAYMENTS
for “Ola Sahyog” to enable instant
The UK’s fintech community has access to cash for 100,000 eligible Furthermore, understanding the
built ‘Covid Credit’ to let sole driver-partner families across the hardships that many people in
traders self-certify lost income. country. This would provide crucial China are facing because of the
It is envisaged that government credit of INR 1200 per week for prolonged quarantine, DiDi has
relief extended to salaried workers three weeks to foot household also coordinated with over 3,000
might now be expanded to the expenses, set off against future leasing partners across the country
self-employed, gig workers, and earnings on the platform. to expand a lease extension plan
small businesses through this Open for its ride-hailing drivers. The
Banking technology28. • REATTRIBUTING WORKERS scheme involves waiving the lease
AND CREATING NEW EARNING and insurance payments for the
• PROVIDING DAILY ALLOWANCE OPPORTUNITIES company’s drivers nationwide29.
AND COVERING HOUSEHOLD Likewise, Ola has waived car lease
EXPENSES In China, Didi launched a new rentals in India. India’s Urban
errand running service in two cities, Company is extending interest-free
In Malaysia, Grab will provide with hopes to offset the losses from business advances and delayed
driver-partners with vouchers to its core ride-hailing business due payback periods to protect the gig
help with daily household expenses. to the COVID-19 outbreak. With workers, self-employed and small
These vouchers can be used on this new feature, users can request businesses engaged with them.
28 O’Hear, S. (2020). UK fintech community comes together to build Covid Credit and let sole traders self-certify lost income.
TechCrunch. March 24, 2020. https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/24/covid-credit/
29 Grigorian, G. (2020). COVID-19 Is a Big Reputational Opportunity for DiDi Chuxing. Pandaily. February 21, 2020. https://pandaily. 19
com/covid-19-is-a-big-reputational-opportunity-for-didi-chuxing/LEVERAGING AND PROTECTING THE GIG ECONOMY AGAINST COVID-19
2.4.3. Stimulating the economy and labour demand
To stimulate the economy and labour demand in these challenging times,
governments have announced discretionary measures supplementing existing
social safety nets and insurance mechanisms, as of end-March 202030.
These measures - listed below - limit the human and economic impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic and particularly protect the self-employed, gig workers,
and small businesses.
1) Active fiscal policy & accommodative monetary policy
Active fiscal policies include social protection measures ranging from
targeted transfers to automatic stabilisers such as unemployment
benefits, and public investment and tax relief for the self-employed,
gig workers, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Accommodative monetary policies consist of interest rate reductions,
reserve rate relaxation, and targeted liquidity provisions. Some others
have also announced payback holidays and cash transfer programmes for
gig workers. Measures from a few key economies are presented herewith.
ASIA cash transfers to job seekers, and bankruptcy by the coronavirus crisis,
While over 20 state governments delayed payments through its fiscal with direct payments of up to EUR
in India have announced a series of stimulus packages. Likewise, Hong 15,000 depending on the size of the
measures, the central government Kong too is providing one-off cash firm. In addition to tax deferrals and
too for its part has announced injections to retailers, food and postponement of household utility
additional cash transfers, medical drink service providers, transport payments, Italy has created a EUR
insurance cover, and in-kind companies, students, the arts and 10.3 billion package to support the
transfer of wheat/ rice and pulses to culture sector, guest houses and self-employed and laid-off workers.
beneficiaries under various existing travel agents, in addition to cash pay- Self-employed and seasonal workers
schemes. Japan is providing daily outs and reduced tax. such as tour guides can expect a EUR
allowance for parents, deferment 600 payment for the month of March
of household utility payments, and EUROPE to help protect them from the fallout
subsidies to firms who maintain France has announced a EUR 45 as business dries up. The UK has
employment during scale down of billion aid package comprising announced that those self-employed
operations. In China, policy measures reduced social security contributions, and adversely affected by COVID-19
include unemployment insurance and unemployment benefits to forced would be granted a taxable payout
tax relief. Singapore has announced part-time employees, and a solidarity worth 80% of their average monthly
an approx. USD 40 billion package fund for the self-employed and profits (up to £2,500) over the last
to support MSMEs and households. shopkeepers. Germany is offering three years. The scheme is designed
Indonesia is supporting the tourism a EUR 50 billion programme to to be the largest and first-of-its-
sector and low-income households help small businesses and the kind in the developed world and will
and offering income tax exemptions, self-employed threatened with be open for at least three months,
30 International Monetary Fund. March 27, 2020. https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/imf-and-covid19/Policy-Responses-to-COVID-19#I
20
31 awaiting President’s signoff at the time of publishing this reporttargeting to help taxi-drivers and employed people. New Zealand is benefits (family allowances and
care-providers, among others. offering wage subsidies to businesses one-off payments to low-income
hard-hit by COVID-19 with its NZD pensioners), higher unemployment
NORTH AMERICA & OCEANIA 12.1 billion economic package. This benefits and payments to minimum-
USA has announced a USD 2 trillion also includes cash payment of NZD wage workers. Brazil has announced
stimulus package31 which includes 350 a week to part-time workers temporary income support to
unemployment assistance of USD including taxi drivers. vulnerable households. Similarly,
600 per week for the unemployed, South Africa will offer low-income
self-employed, and independent SOUTH AMERICA, AFRICA, AND workers a small monthly payment
workers. With its AUD 180 billion THE MIDDLE EAST till July 2020. Iran has offered tax-
economic package, Australia is Argentina has announced deferrals and cash-subsidies for
providing economic support to emergency transfers to low-income those in the low-income groups.
jobseekers, sole traders, and self- families, increased social security
Governments around the world have announced relief measures to protect the livelihoods of gig workers
and small businesses. The map above shows countries whose initiatives have been highlighted in this report.
21LEVERAGING AND PROTECTING THE GIG ECONOMY AGAINST COVID-19
2) Lending and financial support to specific sectors
Targeted lending and financial support to specific sectors protect
enterprises, especially MSMEs.
ASIA has earmarked EUR 600 billion in loan repayments for small businesses
India is extending collateral-free loans and guarantees for enterprises affected by COVID-19, and is
loans up to INR 20 lakh each to of varying sizes. Italy has announced offering loan guarantees to cover
women in self-help-groups. Japan a credit supply (EUR 5.1 billion) the immediate cash flow needs of
has introduced packages worth aimed to unlock about EUR 350 MSMEs.
over USD 20 billion to offer low- billion of liquidity for businesses and
interest, collateral-free emergency households. The UK has announced SOUTH AMERICA, AFRICA, AND
loans aimed toward struggling a package of government-backed THE MIDDLE EAST
small- to medium-sized businesses and guaranteed loans to support Argentina has announced credit
in the tourism, hospitality, and businesses, making available GBP 330 guarantees to micro, small and
manufacturing industries to billion of guarantees. This package medium enterprises (SMEs) for
secure their cash flows. China has includes a range of measures from the production of foods and basic
announced expansion of re-lending a new temporary Coronavirus supplies, and financial support for
and rediscounting facilities by USD 42 Business Interruption Loan Scheme hard-hit sectors. In Brazil, public
billion to support micro-, small- and to support businesses to access bank banks are expanding credit lines
medium-sized firms at low interest lending and overdrafts, to the central for businesses and households,
rates. Other measures include delay bank buying short-term debt from with a focus on supporting working
of loan payments and other credit companies, increasing the quantum capital. South Africa will support
support measures for eligible SMEs of loan amount businesses can MSMEs under stress, mainly in the
and households, tolerance for higher borrow, and tax deferrals. tourism and hospitality sectors. It
NPLs (non-performing loans) by will accelerate reimbursements and
epidemic-hit sectors and SMEs, and NORTH AMERICA & OCEANIA tax credits to MSMEs and defer
reduction of VAT for small businesses. USA’s stimulus package includes their tax liabilities. Kenya, Ghana,
Singapore is offering support to a USD 350 billion forgivable loan Nigeria, Egypt, and Ethiopia too are
MSMEs and other businesses in programme designed to ensure planning debt relief for individual
the five sectors most vulnerable that small businesses do not lay and MSME borrowers. Saudi Arabia
to the virus outbreak, which are off employees, a 50% refundable has introduced a SAR 50 billion
tourism, aviation, retail, food and payroll tax credit on worker wages ($13.3 billion) package to support the
point-to-point transports services. to incentivise businesses, including private sector, particularly MSMEs,
Hong Kong is providing low-interest ones with fewer than 500 employees, by providing funding to banks to
loans upto USD 2 million with a to retain workers, and low-interest allow them to defer payments on
100% government guarantee for loans for small businesses. Canada’s existing loans and increase lending
enterprises. Emergency Response Benefit to businesses. UAE has announced
provides CAD 2,000 a month to a renewable six-month suspension
EUROPE workers who lose their jobs as a of work permit fees and reduction of
France is offering commercial loans result of COVID-19. Wage-earners, labour and other charges to cut the
and credit lines totalling EUR 300 contract workers, and the self- cost of doing business, support small
billion for MSMEs, and a USD 4.3 employed too are covered in this businesses, and accelerate major
billion package for startups. Germany programme. Australia is deferring infrastructure projects.
22THE BRAVE NEW
3 WORLD AHEAD
The economic fallout precipitated by this health crisis has affected millions
globally. Today, governments the world over have announced policy
measures - from fiscal and monetary policies such as unemployment
benefits, tax relief and targeted liquidity provisions, to lending and
financial support - to minimise the human and economic impact of
COVID-19 and particularly protect the self-employed, gig workers, and
small businesses. New economy companies - businesses in high growth
industries, often referred to as digital platforms - on their part have been
actively protecting gig workers by strengthening occupational safety and
health measures, adapting the work environment, providing health access
to all, expanding paid leave, and securing incomes and livelihoods of gig
workers and small businesses. Countries are also leveraging gig work to
fast-track recovery. Platforms have contributed to crisis management and
recovery using their nimble operations, agile thinking, and technological
prowess to get things done quickly. These collective efforts built on a
strong foundation of social partnerships will pave the way for a brave new
world - a world that is resilient.
23LEVERAGING AND PROTECTING THE GIG ECONOMY AGAINST COVID-19
REFERENCES: BUSINESS INITIATIVES
RIDE-HAILING
Company Countries Key Initiavtives Links
DiDi Chuxing China • Waved the February lease and insurance payments https://www.weforum.
and Latin for drivers org/agenda/2020/03/
America • Created $10 Million Relief Fund for infected drivers china-covid-19-coronavirus-
in China and Latin America mobility-solutions/
• Built disinfection stations
• Installed protective sheets to seperate drivers &
customers in the car
• Spealised fleet of 1,336 drivers to provide
emergency services for health workers in Wuhan
• Launched new service for grocery and laundry
pickups
Dongfeng Automotive China •Supported government by providing 300 ride-hailing https://www.weforum.
drivers in Wuhan for emergency services org/agenda/2020/03/
china-covid-19-coronavirus-
mobility-solutions/
GoJek Indonesia •Relief fund for drivers -comprising 25% of all senior https://www.thejakartapost.
management salaries for next 12 months com/news/2020/03/24/
gojek-bosses-give-up-25-
of-annual-salary-for-drivers-
partners-as-covid-19-deals-
blow.html
Grab Singapore, • Free insurance benefits for drivers and delivery https://www.grab.com/my/
Indonesia, partners for $500 press/others/protecting-
Philipines, • Relief fund to support income of drivers for 90 days partners-well-being/
Malaysia, • Commission rebates of 25%- 50% for driver partners
Thailand • Partnered with Government of Malaysia to bust fake
news
• GrabBayanihan Car - A specialised fleet services
for heath workers in Philipines. Drivers providing the
service getting paid for the service
• Vouchers for drivers in Malaysia to help with daily
household expenses
• Free insurance benefits for GrabCare drivers and
delivery partners for S$1,000
Lyft United • 14 days paid sick leave for drivers https://www.lyft.com/
States safety/coronavirus
Ola India and • INR 20 crore relief fund for driver partners https://ola.foundation/
Australia • Crowdsourcing platform 'Drive the Driver' for drivers donate
across platforms
• Launched 'Ola Sahyog' an interest-free micro-credit
programme for its drivers
• Free masks and sanitizers for drivers-partners
• Issued mandatory safety guidelines for drivers and
riders
• Lease commission rebates for driver-partners
• Medical support & covered income loss of upto Rs.
30,000 for infected driver-partners in India
• Up to 14 days of financial assistance for affected
drivers in Australia
Uber Worldwide • 14 days paid sick leave for drivers https://www.uber.com/in/
• Providing emergency transportation services for en/coronavirus/
health workers in US
24FOOD DELIVERY
Company Countries Key Initiavtives Links
Deliveroo United •Contactless deliveries https://www.bloomberg.com/news/
Kingdom •Purchase kitchen and household products articles/2020-03-12/uber-deliveroo-seek-
from supermarkets via the app to-limit-virus-spread-as-demand-jumps
Domino’s Pizza Japan •Contactless deliveries https://www.japantimes.co.jp/
news/2020/03/10/business/corporate-
business/japan-delivery-zero-contact-
covid-19/#.XnymyJMzZQI
Doordash United •Contactless deliveries https://help.doordash.com/consumers/s/
States, 14 days paid sick leave for drivers article/Customer-Protecting-yourself-
Canada and and-others-from-the-Coronavirus-COVID-
Australia 19?language=en_US
Glovo Spain,Italy •Contactless deliveries https://www.bloomberg.com/news/
articles/2020-03-12/uber-deliveroo-seek-
to-limit-virus-spread-as-demand-jumps
InstaCart United •Contactless deliveries https://www.gigworkerscollective.org
States •Created Gig Workers Collective platform
for workers to collaborate on work and their
emotional well being
Just Eat United •Contactless deliveries https://www.bloomberg.com/news/
Kingdom •Commission rebates of one-third (33%) on articles/2020-03-12/uber-deliveroo-seek-
all commissions for restaurant partners to-limit-virus-spread-as-demand-jumps
Postmates United •Contactless deliveries https://blog.postmates.com/
States •Initiated Small Business pilot programme postmates-coronavirus-covid-19-
that waives commission fees for businesses response-94eef5b1bbc2
in San Francisco Bay Area
Swiggy India •Contactless deliveries https://www.investindia.gov.in/team-
•Free medical consultation for drivers india-blogs/covid-19-and-gig-health-
•Training hygiene practices to their delivery fix-indian-startups
partners
Takeaway Europe • Contactless deliveries https://www.reuters.com/article/
us-health-coronavirus-takeaway-
com/takeaway-com-no-touch-
delivery-in-response-to-coronavirus-
idUSKBN2100QZ
Uber Eats Worldwide • Waived commission fee for restaurant https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/20/
partners uber-eats-uk-waives-fees-during-the-
• Contactless deliveries coronavirus-crisis/
• Daily payment to restaurants than monthly,
to secure cash flows
• Waived sign up fees for new restaurants
coming onto the platform in UK
• Introduced fast-tracked onboarding for
new restaurants to help get them onto the
app in UK
• $5 million in funding available for
independent restaurants across Australia
and New Zealand.
• Delivering 25,000 meals in Australia for
health workers
• Issued mandatory safety guidelines for
drivers and riders
Yamato Transport Japan •Contactless deliveries https://www.japantimes.co.jp/
news/2020/03/10/business/corporate-
business/japan-delivery-zero-contact-
covid-19/#.XnymyJMzZQI
Zomato Worldwide • Launched “”Feed the Daily Wager”” https://www.investindia.gov.in/team-
campaign india-blogs/covid-19-and-gig-health-
• Partnering with NGOs to delivery food fix-indian-startups
packages
• Contactless deliveries
• Training hygiene practices to the delivery
partners
25LEVERAGING AND PROTECTING THE GIG ECONOMY AGAINST COVID-19
LOGISTICS AND ON-LOCATION SERVICES
Company Countries Key Initiavtives Links
Amazon Worldwide • $25M Driver Relief Fund https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/23/
• $5M Small Business Relief Fund amazon-care-to-provide-delivery-and-
• Hiring 100,000 workers and extra pay for pick-up-of-at-home-covid-19-test-
working staff sample-kits-in-seattle-trial/
• Deliver at-home coronavirus testing kits
in US and UK
• Stopped sale of non-esential services in
most of the affected countries”
Big Basket India • Temperature checks for delivery partners https://www.investindia.gov.in/team-
• Free masks and gloves india-blogs/covid-19-and-gig-health-fix-
• Contactless delivery” indian-startups
Delhivery India • Paid sick leave for all 40000+ central and https://www.delhivery.com/covid19-
field employees and partners, with no time measures/
stipulation.
Flipkart India • Stopped non-essential goods delivery in https://www.investindia.gov.in/team-
most of the affected countries india-blogs/covid-19-and-gig-health-fix-
indian-startups
Grab Singapore, • Contactless deliveries https://www.grab.com/my/press/others/
Indonesia, • Free masks for drivers protecting-partners-well-being/
Philipines, • Conduct virtual training sessions to
Malaysia, onboard driver-partners onto GrabFood
Thailand and GrabExpress for sustained income”
Jumia Nigeria, • Providing logistical networks to the https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/22/
Kenya, government for distribution of supplies to jumia-adapts-pan-african-e-commerce-
Ivory healthcare facilities and frontline workers network-in-response-to-covid-19/
Coast,
Morocco,
Nigeria
and
Uganda
Mirakl France • Developed StopCOVID19.fr - a https://www.mirakl.com/
government backed marketplace to mirakl-launches-stopcovid19-fr-
centralize the supply and demand of platform-in-partnership-with-the-
essential products french-government-to-facilitate-
distribution-of-essential-commodities/
Urban Company India • Contributing INR 1.5 Cr to a Covid-19 https://www.investindia.gov.in/team-
relief fund to help the families of 30,000 india-blogs/covid-19-and-gig-health-fix-
workers on its platform indian-startups
• Extending interest free business advances
and delayed payback periods”
FINTECH
Company Countries Key Initiavtives Links
11:FS, Fronted and Credit United • Launched ‘Covid Credit’ that uses open https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/24/
Kudos Kingdom banking technology and allows non- covid-credit/
salaried workers to generate a proof
statement [that] details their past income
and the impact of COVID-19.
Jumia Pay Nigeria • Reduced fee to encourage digital https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/22/
payments over cash jumia-adapts-pan-african-e-commerce-
network-in-response-to-covid-19/
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