Covid-19 has shaken us all. Most people are acutely
aware that businesses have been dramatically affected by it, with
many people having either lost their jobs or been placed on reduced
work time. It's also well known that the stress of this and
other effects of Covid are leading to an increase in mental health
problems, such as depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. We look at
some of the key facts, taken from studies conducted by
supra-national bodies over the period and summarise the trajectory
we have all been on.
Research on the impact of Covid-19 shows severe economic damage.
The OECD reported in May 2021 that there were 20 million fewer jobs
in OECD countries and over 110 million fewer jobs
worldwide.1 The World Bank announced that between
October 2020 and January 2021, sales of one in four companies had
decreased by 50%, and on average, sales dropped by
27%.2