BRIEFING PAPER

The disruption caused by Covid-19 on the Welsh economy prompted huge and immediate economic responses from the UK and Welsh governments. Some £1.7 billion of support for Welsh businesses has been announced through the Welsh budget for this year, with £680 million reaching businesses through Welsh local authorities to date. In May, 316,500 employees in Wales had been furloughed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, while 102,000 self employed individuals had applied for support through the Self-Employment Income Support scheme. Despite unprecedented levels of state support for the economy, early data suggests there has been a large increase in unemployment in Wales. From 1 March to 12 May, there were 122,160 new Universal Credit claimants in Wales, with daily claimant speaking at 6,860 new claimants on 27March.

As well as mitigating the overall impact on the Welsh economy, our findings suggest policymakers should focus on the disproportionate impact the crisis may be having on particular groups and individuals. The impact of the economic disruption in Wales is likely to exacerbate existing inequalities, with the effects being particularly felt by women, the least well-off, BAME and younger workers. While the social distancing measures have been critical in controlling the spread of the virus, a particular focus of the recovery effort should be preventing this economic shock from having long-term effects on the incomes and employment opportunities of these groups and individuals.

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BRIEFING PAPER

Key workers are playing a vital role in helping the country overcome the unprecedented challenges that Covid-19 has imposed on the economy and on society. Wales’ success in containing the spread of the virus and simultaneously ensuring the continued provision of essential public services will heavily depend on the ability of key workers to do their jobs.

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Contact details
Jesús Rodríguez
rodriguezmorenoj@cardiff.ac.uk
Guto Ifan
ifandg@cardiff.ac.uk


Wales Fiscal Analysis
Cardiff University
Law Building
Museum Avenue
Cardiff CF10 3AX

Covid-19 is a highly infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and in some patients may affect the lungs progressing to pneumonia, multi-organ failure, and death. People of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from Covid19.

Using data from the Labour Force Survey in which respondents self-report health conditions, we can estimate the percentage of individuals who are at greater risk of being severely affected by Covid-19. We consider the health conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure, heart conditions, breathing, and chest or circulation problems

To access full Briefing Paper click here

Contact details
Jesús Rodríguez
rodriguezmorenoj@cardiff.ac.uk
Guto Ifan
ifandg@cardiff.ac.uk


Wales Fiscal Analysis
Cardiff University
Law Building
Museum Avenue
Cardiff CF10 3AX