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.

This briefing explores the impact of the pandemic, and what life is really like, for young women in low-income households.

Key facts

● 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).