Covid-19 has affected people's jobs, family life and made many fear going shopping, a new survey from the Central Statistics Office show.
As part of the Labour Force Survey, the CSO tagged on some additional questions about the impact of Covid-19 on people's lives. The survey was carried out in April and its results were published today.
The survey found that the jobs of almost half (47%) of the population were impacted in some way by Covid-19. Of these, 14% had lost their jobs and 33% were laid off temporarily.
The percentage is much higher for younger workers with 46% of 15-24 year olds laid off.
However, a high percentage of those who have lost their jobs, 94%, expect to return to their jobs in the future.
17% of those surveyed also said they have money worries. However, the various income support measures and forbearance on loans do seem to be having an impact with just 3% of those reporting they can not pay their bills and only 2% saying they have difficulty with rent or mortgage payments.
Covid-19 is also having a significant social impact.
26% of the population is reported to be "afraid to go shopping" with this figure rising to 41% of people over 65.
24% report feeling lonely with higher percentages for younger and older people.
Today's CSO figures also show that 24% of 35-44 year olds report having childcare issues with 22% of this age cohort reporting difficulties in working from home with family around.
34% of those whose jobs have been impacted have begun remote working from home.
Meanwhile, 59% of people have increased communicating with their wider family via the phone, Skype, Facetime or other online method.
