Bevan Foundation joins Radio Cymru to discuss IFS Deaton Review of Inequalities report

Bevan Foundation A child playing outside in Wales
Photo by haydenbird #:94146783 on iStock
NewsJanuary 5th, 2021

Steffan Evans joined Radio Cymru on 5 January 2021 to discuss the latest findings of the IFS Deaton Review of Inequalities

2020 exposed and deepened poverty and inequality in Wales and across the UK. A wealth of evidence has already emerged demonstrating the devastating impact of the pandemic on poverty, including two reports published by the Bevan Foundation that looked specifically at the impact of the pandemic on poverty. Our December report can be accessed here, whilst our September report can be accessed here. A new report, published today by the IFS Deaton Review of Inequalities has provided further evidence of the devastating impact of the pandemic on many of our communities.

Amongst the IFS’ findings are:

  • The pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities between graduates and non-graduates, with non-graduates being significantly more likely to have lost their jobs than graduates.
  • Self-employed workers and workers employed in other forms of insecure work have been hit especially hard by the pandemic.
  • The pandemic has exacerbated existing educational inequalities.
  • The mortality rates from Covid 19 has been especially high in our most deprived communities.
  • The crisis has not impacted all ethnic groups the same.
  • Young people have been hit especially hard by the economic impact of the pandemic with many pensioners reporting they are better off financially.

Appearing on BBC Radio Cymru, Steffan Evans of the Bevan Foundation set out that whilst the findings of the report were not necessarily surprising it provided further evidence of the scale of the challenge facing the Welsh Government and society more generally by the pandemic. He argued that the case for clear long term investment in solving poverty had never been stronger and that it is vital that the Welsh and UK Governments take action.

If you would like to listen back to the interview the programme is available to listen here with the interview starting around 1 hour and 17 minutes into the programme.

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