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Coronavirus and the gig economy

We ask how the economic shock of coronavirus is likely to impact those working freelance.

We ask how the economic shock of coronavirus is likely to impact those working freelance. Actors David Sturzaker and Jo Herbert tell us how their lives have been turned upside down by recent developments. Ryan Barnett is from IPSE, the Association for Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed in the UK. He says many freelancers do have some money set aside, but it could run out quite quickly. Coronavirus poses a particular challenge for gig economy workers like Uber drivers. Shami Chakrabarti is a member of the UK shadow cabinet for the opposition Labour Party, and discusses concerns that gig workers may be forced to continue working, even if they are sick. Veena Dubal is an associate professor of law at the University of California. She argues more needs to be done for gig workers. And we hear from Sir Christopher Pissarides, chairman of the Institute for the Future of Work. He says the most financially vulnerable workers shouldn’t have to choose between their health and an income. Also in the programme, we have a round up of all the latest market moves amid the ongoing crisis. Plus the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's Arunoday Mukharji talks us through the likely economic impact of new restrictions introduced in India, whereby incoming international flights are to be banned for a week from Sunday.

(Picture: Food delivery apps. Picture credit: Getty Images.)

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27 minutes

Last on

Thu 19 Mar 2020 22:32GMT

Broadcast

  • Thu 19 Mar 2020 22:32GMT