Impact on economy and employment

National

• Significant impact on the UK economy and employment, with young people most impacted. Those aged under 25 more than twice as likely to work in sectors forced to close. (The Health Foundation, 2021)
  
  
• Some industries have been severely affected, including transport, travel agencies and tour operators, accommodation and creative, arts and entertainment activities. (ONS, 2020)
  
  
• One third (32.66%) of UK adults say they are worrying about their finances, such as bill payments and debt. (ONS, 2020)

Staffordshire

• Despite COVID-19, unemployment rates are well below national and regional averages at 3.6%.
  
  
• Younger people likely to require ongoing support with their employment and financial situation, with support packages in place (Ignite, Kick Start).
  
  
• There has been job growth in some industries related to the COVID-19 pandemic such as in e-commerce, delivery and social media.
  
  
• Supporting businesses to adapt and transform will be key – especially given more residents are in lower paid, manual and routine jobs.