Flexible workers and the coronavirus pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up our everyday lives. Beyond health concerns, the pandemic has created unprecedented financial difficulties. Our research shows this to be especially true for flexible workers - people without a fixed income or permanent employer.

Wollit commissioned research by OnePoll to gauge how COVID-19 and the associated government lockdown measures were affecting zero-hour, gig and self-employed workers in the UK. 436 self-employed, sole traders, freelancers, gig economy, and zero-hour workers were interviewed between 30/3/2020 and 7/4/2020.

Flexible workers and the pandemic research findings

Key findings - flexible workers during the pandemic survey by Wollit

Zero-hour workers - flexible workers during the pandemic survey by Wollit

Zero-hour workers and the pandemic survey by Wollit

Gig workers during the pandemic survey by Wollit — Gig workers - flexible workers during the pandemic survey by Wollit

Gig workers and the pandemic survey by Wollit — Gig workers during the pandemic survey by Wollit

Freelancers during the pandemic survey by Wollit — Freelancers - flexible workers during the pandemic survey by Wollit

Freelancers in detail and the pandemic survey by Wollit — Freelancers and the pandemic survey by Wollit

This research has been conducted at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March and April 2020. Since then we have faced lengthened periods of lockdowns, local restrictions as well as unprecedented government support. You can find new research findings in the Understanding Society household survey and the Insecure Work study by TUC.

How we can help

Wollit’s mission is to bring financial wellbeing to everyone, and in particular the UK’s 15m freelancers, gig workers and those on zero-hour contracts.

Our first product, the Wollit Income Promise is an income stability tool which enables people to take home the same amount each month even if their hours or earnings fluctuate. It helps to reduce financial anxiety and lead everyone to a calmer, happier, smoother life.

Reach out to find out how we can help improve your financial wellbeing.