The e-commerce industry in India is expected to create approximately 700,000 gig jobs in the second half of the year, due to upcoming festive season sales, reports The Economic Times, citing a report by TeamLease. The report adds that e-commerce companies are gearing up to fulfil consumer demands in the annual shopping frenzy. While the surge in shopping activity is projected to create nearly 700,000 gig jobs, the sector currently has around 200,000 open positions for temporary workers. These jobs are primarily available in last mile delivery space and warehouse operations. 

TeamLease also stated that this year’s festive hiring is expected to witness a 25% hike in gig jobs as compared to the same period last year. Balasubramanian A, vice president and business head, TeamLease Services, said, “Over the last 5 years, we have seen an impressive 20% year-on-year increase in the demand for gig workers, and this upward trend is expected to persist for the next 2-3 years, especially in the thriving e-commerce category. With July opening up the festive season hiring, the e-commerce sector alone has 200,000 open positions at present, which will eventually increase and reach about 700,000 by December.” 

India’s gig workforce would reach 23.5 million by 2029-30, said Balasubramanian A, citing industry reports. The demand for this talent pool is growing, he added.