Bevan Foundation gives evidence to Senedd committee on COVID-19 and the economy

The Bevan Foundation appeared before the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills committee

Last week, the Bevan Foundation gave evidence to the Senedd’s Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee inquiry into the impacts of COVID-19 on all areas within the committee’s remit

Giving evidence alongside the Learning and Work Institute, Helen Cunningham, Project Officer at the Bevan Foundation, set out some of the Foundation’s perspectives on the different ways in which the pandemic has affected workers, sectors and different parts of Wales. She outlined how while the impact has been severe, it has also been unevenly felt and will have long term implications which could well lead to a significant re-structuring of the economy in Wales.

The Bevan Foundation’s evidence drew on the work that it has done throughout the lockdown and pandemic period to understand the multiple and unfolding effects of the pandemic.

Looking to what kind of solutions and opportunities should be considered, Helen Cunningham outlined how support to business will require a focus on adaption and diversification to help strengthen the economy in the long term. It should also support the creation of enterprises of all kinds, including social businesses, micro-businesses and self-employed people. She also set out how there is an opportunity to create a wider range and better geographic spread of economic activity and a more equal economy that works for all.

The evidence also explored how recovery should be linked to investment in sectors with a long-term future such as green and clean industries, and those with social as well as economic value. For example, there are still not enough homes of the right type and standard to meet the human right of a decent home for everyone, and there is a strong case for investment in the kinds of social infrastructure that are fundamental to a good standard of living, such as social care, childcare and social housing.

Watch the full session here