Why we should still be talking about equality during COVID

Getting people to care about equalities can be hard. I’ve tried everything – games, case studies, scare-tactics, confusing them with legislation… (Never that last one in a professional role obviously).

Sometimes it takes numbers.

Here are a few stats that highlight the disproportionate impact of COVID on various identities (click on the right hand-side of the image to scroll).

Yes, I know that statistics need context to have meaning. And it’s also important to note that Engender and CRER both have questioned the way sex and race stats have been collected during COVID (Click on the hyperlinks to get stuck into these other equalities issues).

But statistics are a start. It’s not the full picture, but they can draw attention to the fact that we need to consider individual employment circumstances. Such an approach needs particular effort at this time.

Hopefully these stats will help us keep this in mind, and bring others on board.

Fancy geeking out on data? For more information check out these links:

Equality Evidence from the Scottish Government.

Equality & Human Rights Commission’s article for The Law Society of Scotland’s Journal Publication.

Economic Impact of Coronavirus Led Labour Market Effects on Individuals and Households.

Inclusion Scotland MSP Briefing: Disabled People’s Employment and Employability.