Unemployment, Wellbeing and Finding Support
The pandemic has led to a surge in unemployment and left many looking for jobs. Here, we discuss the current situation and its impact on people's wellbeing.
We are living through uncertain and unprecedented times with the Covid pandemic, the lockdown, and the consequences of these events for the economy.
For many, this has substantially changed day to day life. It has been a real challenge which has impacted wellbeing and led to worry over uncertainty, stress and feelings of isolation.
Earlier in the year, the government launched the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (also known as the furlough scheme) to support businesses and employees impacted by the lockdown by covering 80% of staff wages.
This scheme had been planned to close at the end of October but due to the second lockdown the scheme has been extended in England until 2nd December 2020.
The government also unveiled a new Job Support Scheme in September. The government would pay 62% of staff wages to support businesses in bringing back their staff part-time. Staff on the scheme would work for 20% of their usual hours.
As a consequence of the second lockdown this scheme will not be opening until after 2nd December 2020.
Unemployment and Uncertainty
However, more and more people are facing unemployment, with a large number of people made redundant over the summer. According to The Guardian newspaper 40% fewer jobs are being advertised than this time one year ago.
This has brought major uncertainty to people about their incomes and often their housing situation and how they will continue to pay their bills.
For many the uncertainty will have impacted their wellbeing and created worry and stress.
Our therapists see these problems first-hand and this was a reason why it was so important for us to adapt our services so they could be provided online during the lockdown.
Finding the support you need
If you need help or advice on accessing benefits you can contact Jobcentre Plus here or Citizen’s Advice here. You can also search for jobs at gov.uk here. If you are 16-24 and looking for advice or support for finding jobs or working out the career path for you click here.
At Meridian Wellbeing, we offer a range of services and resources to support wellbeing. These can be easily accessed online in order to help people better cope during the period of the pandemic. We offer a range of services and resources suited to people of all ages and backgrounds. They can help with problems including stress, isolation, anxiety and can help you to improve your wellbeing
Click here to find out more.