Downturn in workers’ mental and financial wellbeing during COVID-19: hardest hit are those that can least afford it

Summary

The COVID-19 crisis has impacted almost all aspects of our lives to an unprecedented extent. With large numbers of workers furloughed, on reduced hours, or having lost their jobs, many experienced a fall in income in spring and summer 2020. This briefing analyses biennial Understanding Society survey data alongside monthly waves conducted over spring and summer 2020, to explore the extent to which such falls in income are impacting mental wellbeing.