Study shows UK social inequality increase in Covid-19 lockdown
The pandemic has widened the gap between social classes
Image: Stoke on Trent Foodbank
The ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown measures has stretched the UK’s growing socioeconomic divide according to a recent study.
As per research from the Social Mobility Commission (SMC), 50% of adult respondents stated the current situation has detrimentally impacted the standard of living in the UK.
The study created a Social Mobility Barometer, which indicated 33% of people believe the pandemic has increased inequality ‘a lot’, with 23% opting for ‘a little’ change, alongside 79% of adults asserting concern over a ‘large gap’ between classes.
The YouGov poll, which interviewed 4,693 adults in early 2021, looked to engage with people over what they believe the pandemic has had the biggest effect on.
Mental health concerns were flagged up as the biggest issue, according to 55% of respondents, followed by a lack of social contact (44%), employment issues (26%) and education access (22%).
Alongside fears over increasing socioeconomic issues as a result of the pandemic, there is added worry over regional disparity, with people in the North of England more likely to express concern over suffering more in terms of education, employment and living standards.
Racial and cultural diversity also plays a significant role in the issues of inequality, with 23% BAME respondents stating their background has negatively impacted recent career progression compared to 14% of white adults.
Steven Cooper, SMC interim co-chairman, said: “The pandemic has had a devastating impact on jobs, training and mental health, particularly among the most disadvantaged groups.
“This poll dramatically underlines public concern about growing social inequality. Government, employers and educators should listen and act.
“The most disadvantaged – at home, school or work – should now be at the centre of any recovery plan.”
The SMC will continue to work alongside the Government in 2021 with the overarching aim of ‘levelling up society’ across all regions of the UK.
