Little talked about yet is the impact of unemployment on people who thought they had secure jobs. We are facing a period of sudden unemployment that will affect tens of thousands of people.
Many of us have children with secure jobs in good careers, but now that's all about to change. When the schools do close they're unlikely to re-open straight after Easter, so will the teachers be paid when they're not in school? New jobs in the retail sector (deliveries and backroom staff) won't make up for the job losses in the hospitality and travel industries. Transport is just about to be hit when buses, trains and taxis lose passengers. The Entertainment industry, Recruitment, Events etc. all are being affected immediately with massive lay-offs of staff.
Sick pay will get some through the first couple of weeks if people are self-isolating, but for those whose jobs have simply disappeared they will need to begin the Universal Credit claiming process, which is already under enormous strain. Now people who never could have imagined themselves in that position will need to negotiate the broken benefits system. People are usually shored up by FoodBanks while they wait for claims to be processed, but as the FoodBanks themselves are already struggling with the effects of the virus on donations (understandably down) and volunteers (most are in the high risk age bracket) there is going to be only limited help from there.
I am concerned about all those people who, in addition to worrying about their family's health, are now going to be hit with a financial crisis.
Kate Garroway-Care at home costs
Is it me or am I getting mixed messages
To obliterate your address on packaging
Water Pollution -“ A National Disgrace”? A case for renationalisation?