Katelyn Mitri, Western University

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted employment across Canada. While several reports show increased job loss and unemployment, there is little mention of changes to types of employment during the pandemic. Drawing on the Canadian Labour Force Surveys, we explore how the COVID-19 pandemic affected nonstandard employment rates (part-time work, temporary work, and own-account self-employment) throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We also investigate if changes in nonstandard employment differ based on social grouping. Results reveal increases for both part-time employment and nonstandard self-employment throughout the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Part-time employment slightly increased during months when businesses reopened after lockdown, while nonstandard employment spiked during the 1st lockdown months. These findings are mostly consistent among subgroups; however, nonstandard self-employment increased at a larger rate among women and immigrant groups at particular times throughout the pandemic.

Co-investigator: Stephen Sartor ,Western University

Research Status: Research completed, preparing the publish/present

Contact: Katelyn Mitri