Abstract (EN)

As mentioned in Chapter 3, operating conditions in the informal sector are poor and insecure. In addition, Vietnam has experienced spectacular development over the past ten years. Therefore, how these precarious operating conditions affect employment and labour conditions in this sector and whether improvement of working conditions has come with this development warrants analysis. Based on HBIS surveys, this chapter complements Chapter 2 by providing an in-depth overview of the working conditions in the HB sector. With regard to the objective of inclusive growth, it aims to understand the source of vulnerability and the precariousness of the workers in this sector and to identify the groups of workers that are the most vulnerable in order to ensure better protection and stability of the labour force. This chapter includes three sections. Section 1 describes the socio-demographic characteristics of the workers in the informal sector and calls into question the common perception of workers in the informal sector, in particular with regards to the gender, migratory status, seniority and qualifications of the workers. Section 2 presents an overall picture of the working conditions in the informal sector. As shown in Chapter 2, although this sector is an important source of employment and it generates income for many people, the labour conditions are precarious and the workers lack protection. The HB&IS survey allows us to go further in the analysis of these conditions. In particular, it provides new knowledge about the earnings of workers in the informal sector, and it yields new insights into the lack of formal guarantees in this sector by considering the relationship between the owner and the employees as a substitute for formal arrangements. Section 3 analyses the trend in working conditions observed in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City between 2007 and 2014 and highlights a mitigated improvement of these conditions.