The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on young women on low incomes

Read the latest briefing by six women’s organisations: Close the Gap, Engender, Fawcett Society, Northern Ireland Women’s Budget Group, Women’s Budget Group, and Women’s Equality Network Wales.

Key findings

● 1 in 3 (30%) of furloughed young women from low-income households (£0 – £19,999) had their salary topped up by their employer compared to almost half (47%) of both furloughed young women from higher-income households (£40,000+) and young men from low-income households and two-thirds (66%) of men from higher-income households.

● Twice as many (43%) young women from low-income households said their financial situation had become worse because of the pandemic compared to 21% of young women from higher-income households and 35% of young men from low-income households and just 16% of men from higher-income households.

● Young men (38%) and young women (35%) on low incomes were just as likely to be worried about losing their job when the furlough scheme ends compared to 17% of young women and 19% of young men on higher incomes.

● Over a half (57%) of young women from low-income households said their mental health had become worse during the coronavirus pandemic compared to 49% young women from higher-income households and 42% young men of all income levels.

● Over one third (35%) of young women on low incomes were less likely to buy a house in the following 12 months as a result of the pandemic compared to 12% of young women on higher-incomes and 20% of young men (at all income levels).

Read the report