A leap in U.S. unemployment has thrown a
spotlight on one type of work in high demand
during the coronavirus pandemic: Gig work
delivering groceries, meals and packages.
Some app-based delivery companies have
announced hiring sprees to cope with a surge
in online shopping. That comes as 16.8 million
Americans have filed for unemployment aid in
just the past three weeks.
Many gig jobs in delivery are relatively easy to
get, often requiring little more than the ability
to carry heavy loads, access to a bike or car and
passing a background check. But they also come
with the risk of exposure to the coronavirus,
which has killed more than 22,000 in the U.S.
Most such jobs come with little to no access to
benefits like health insurance and paid sick leave.