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on Informal and Underground Economics |
| By: | Juan Dolado (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid); Alvaro Janez (Stockholm School of Economics); Felix Wellschmied (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid) |
| Abstract: | Online food delivery platforms typically operate through a controversial business model that relies on subcontracting self-employed workers, known as riders. Using a search and matching model, we quantify the labor-market effects of the Spanish Riders’ Law in 2021 that establishes the presumption of dependent employment for riders. Riders with heterogeneous preferences for leisure trade off work flexibility and easier employability as self-employed against enjoying higher wages as employees. Our main finding is that the reform succeeded in increasing the share of employees but failed to fully absorb the large outflows from self-employment and decreased riders’ wages, resulting in welfare losses. However, complementing the reform with a payroll tax cut for platforms hiring employees preserves employment levels and increases substantially riders’ welfare. |
| Keywords: | Riders, Food delivery platforms, Self-employed, Employees |
| JEL: | J21 J60 |
| Date: | 2025–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:crm:wpaper:2527 |
| By: | Felix Degenhardt (University of Potsdam); Jan Sebastian Nimczik (ESMT Berlin) |
| Abstract: | We examine whether gig jobs in online food delivery (OFD) are a stepping stone for refugees entering the Austrian labor market. Our identification strategy combines the quasi-random assignment of refugees to Austrian regions with the expansion of gig firms across the country. The local availability of OFD jobs at the time of access to the labor market initially accelerates job finding among refugees. Subsequently, however, gig workers remain in low-paid, unstable jobs with low career prospects, while the employment rate of refugees without gig opportunities catches up. The local availability of gig jobs negatively affects human capital investments and job search behavior, even among refugees outside the gig economy. |
| Keywords: | gig work, refugees, employment restrictions, labor market integration |
| JEL: | J15 J61 J81 |
| Date: | 2025–05 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:crm:wpaper:2517 |
| By: | Landini, Fabio; Lunardon, Davide; Rinaldi, Riccardo; Tredicine, Luigi |
| Abstract: | The need to achieve a safe and just ecological transition is a key target of European policy makers. Green jobs are often presented as key levers to achieve this objective, as they enable the creation of new employment opportunities across a wide spectrum of occupations, including low skill ones. In this paper we investigate if and how these opportunities are seized by one of the most vulnerable segment of the labor force, namely migrants. By relying on detailed administrative data covering more that 12 million contract activations in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy) we document that, after controlling for potential confounders, migrants are less likely than natives to find employment in green jobs. Moreover, when they do, they have higher chances to be hired with either a fixed-term or an agency contract. Heterogeneity analysis across industries and occupations reveals that such precarious employment patterns are driven primarily by firm attempts to reduce green costs. These results are rationalized through the lenses of institutional segmentation theory. Related policy implications are discussed. |
| Keywords: | Green Jobs, Migrant Workers, Precarious Employment, Institutional Segmentation |
| JEL: | Q52 J24 J15 J41 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:glodps:1636 |
| By: | Matthew Graham; Henry Hyatt; Kristin Sandusky; Stephen Tibbets |
| Abstract: | This document describes the inputs, construction process, and final output of the Self-Employment Job Frame (SEJ). The SEJ covers work that takes place outside of formal employer-employee relationships. These jobs include those held by IRS Form 1099 workers, gig workers such as rideshare drivers, independent contractors, freelancers, and owners of sole proprietorships with or without paid employees such as domestic workers or daycare operators. Section 2 provides background on the Frames program overall, the Job Frame in particular, and the research projects that informed the design of the SEJ. This section also identifies the first anticipated uses of the SEJ. Section 3 identifies key features of the SEJ such as required variables, scope, and unit of observation. Section 4 identifies the administrative origin of this information before and after the Census Bureau receives it from the Internal Revenue Service. Section 5 details the SEJ production process and Section 6 provides a layout for the final file. References are listed in Section 7. |
| Keywords: | LBD, BR/SSEL |
| Date: | 2025–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cen:tnotes:25-17 |
| By: | AHAMED, RAIHAN; , Ferdaus Hasan |
| Abstract: | Introduction Nearly half of the workforce worldwide is women, still they have less participation at work compared to men. Women from marginalized communities, especially in slum areas, face deprivation of basic needs and limited access to the workforce. At work, they are restricted to low-paying, insecure jobs, have extensive working hours and no health or financial benefits. This study aimed to understand the factors that influence slum women in the workforce in Bangladesh. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. A purposive sampling technique was used to collect primary data using a semi-structured questionnaire from slums in the Mymensingh district. Around 400 primary data were collected for this study. Chi-square and Binary logistic regression analysis were used to determine the associated factors that influence female labor participation. Results The result showed that around (33%) of females participate in work and (67%) do not. Almost 78.03% of women earned 5000tk or less per month. 89.39% of women agreed that they earn insufficient money. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association with age (p<0.001), respondent’s education (0.002), and husband's education (p<0.002). Binary logistic regression revealed that Females aged 25-34 years have 3.24 times higher odds of working (CI: 1.95 to 5.38, p < 0.001) compared to those aged 15-24 years. Female-headed households showed 3.45 times higher odds of working (OR: 3.45, CI: 1.57 to 7.61, p = 0.002) compared to male-headed households. Conclusions This study examines the determinants of women's employment in Bangladeshi slum communities and offers an insightful analysis of why women face challenges in accessing employment in such environments. Necessary steps from the government should be taken, and a collaborative approach (both govt. and private) is also necessary to improve female labor force participation and protection of their human rights. Keywords: Slum, Socio-demographic Factors, LFPR, Odds ratio, LMIC |
| Date: | 2025–07–16 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:w9s7e_v1 |