JRC Impact migrant workers COVID

A Vulnerable Workforce: Migrant Workers in the COVID-19 Pandemic Francesco Fasani Queen Mary University of London CEPR, CReAM and IZA Jacopo Mazza ∗ European Commission Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy

May 20, 2020

Abstract

This report analyses the labour conditions of migrant workers in the EU in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic. By looking at the prevalence of temporary contracts, the position in the income distribution and the likelihood that jobs can be conducted from home for both key and other migrant workers, it highlights the potential and distinct vulnerabilities for these two groups. Foreign born workers - especially Extra- EU migrants - are at a disadvantage in all three dimensions: they are more likely to be in temporary employment, earn lower wages and have jobs that are less amenable to teleworking. The report concludes by identifying possible areas of policy intervention to address these vulnerabilities. JEL Codes: F22, J61, K37 Keywords: Migrant workers, COVID-19 epidemic, key occupations. —————————————–

∗ Corresponding author at the KCMD, European Commission - Joint Research Centre, Via Enrico Fermi, 2749, 21027 Ispra (VA), Italy. All data and computer programs are available on request. We thank Laurent Aujean for helpful comments.