AbstractBackgroundThe public health response to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a detrimental impact on employment and there are concerns the impact may be greatest amongst the most vulnerable. We examined the characteristics of those who experienced changes in employment status during the initial phase of the pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional, nationally representative household survey of the working age population (18-64 years) in Wales in June 2020. A total of 1,382 adults responded (6.9% response rate). Employment outcomes between February and May/June 2020 were (i) no change in employment status, (ii) a change in employment, (iii) unemployment, and (iv) furlough. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression models examined associations between demographics, health status and employment outcomes.ResultsOf the working age population in paid employment in February 2020, 3.2% were unemployed and 32.0% had been placed on furlough by June 2020. Groups more likely to be placed on furlough included younger (18-39 years) and older (50-64 years) workers, people from more deprived areas, in lower skilled jobs, living with pre-existing health conditions and from households with less financial security. Groups in poorer health (not good general health, low mental wellbeing) and from households containing a child or with less financial security were more likely to experience unemployment.ConclusionA number of vulnerable population groups were observed to experience detrimental employment outcomes during the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeted support is needed to mitigate against both the direct impacts on employment, and indirect impacts on financial insecurity and health.
Employment status and impact on mental wellbeing in the UK working age population: a cross-sectional analysis
