More than half of adults in the UK believe the pandemic has had the biggest impact on mental health, research has found.
New research from the Social Mobility Commission reveals that 55 per cent of people think the pandemic has affected mental health more than anything else, including education and jobs.
This is closely linked with lack of social contact, which 44 per cent of people said was the worst impact of the virus- the second most common answer.
It comes as our Young London SOS campaign highlights the enormous toll the pandemic has had on young people’s mental health.
The findings published todayin the Social Mobility Barometer 2021 found that 46 per cent of people want the government to address mental health as a key priority, as well as jobs and education.
The survey of more than 4,500 adults also reveals that most people believe social inequality has increased due to the pandemic, with nearly six in ten saying the gulf between social classes has increased.
It comes as fears grow that poorer people are most affected by the pandemic, with children from the most disadvantaged families who are often without digital access, falling behind at school.
Steven Cooper, interim Co-Chair of the Social Mobility Commission, 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.”
One third of people said the government should prioritise improving access to education. It comes as children are returning to school this week after months of remote learning. Headteachers fear pupils who are already disadvantaged and do not have to laptops or quiet spaces to work at home have fallen further behind.
Russell Hobby, CEO of TeachFirst, said: “Even before the pandemic, opportunities in this country were unfairly distributed. But over the last year, these inequalities have been exacerbated. This barometer lays bare the public’s deep concern with this fact.
“We must listen,or risk denying bright and ambitious young people the chance to realisetheir dreams. That’s why education and employment opportunities for young people, particularly those from poorer communities, need to be a priority in our national recovery. If our country is to rebuild successfully, we must breakdown the barriers to social mobility and ensure every child has the same chanceto thrive.”
