COVID-19 Work Absence, Income Loss and Coping Strategies in Bangladesh

Abstract

Has workplace closure due to lockdown policies to control the spread of COVID-19 affected workplace hygiene, absenteeism, income loss and coping strategies in Bangladesh? Drawing on face-to-face interviews with 1,894 employees in the tea, construction, ready-made garment (RMG), and leather sectors in September–October 2020, the study shows a shortage of disinfectants and sanitisers. Absenteeism was high in April 2020 across all sectors except tea, but it dropped later. Two in three workers reported income losses due to workplace closure. 20% of workers with reduced wages received government food distribution, and 4% received cash assistance, pointing to poor implementation and a rise in poverty.