Impact on daily life

Impact 5^th August
Now we can see the figures.   The Government has paid the wages for 9.6 million workers in furlough.  That means since April it has cost almost £34 billion.  Also £7.8 billion has been paid on income support for self-employed workers.  Even in the last month an extra 100 thousand people have joined the furlough scheme.  Now that employers have to pay more for the workers as the Government pays less, it looks like more people will be losing their jobs as the employers say they cannot afford the cost.
Virus figures are increasing again in the UK – not all over but more in certain areas like Liverpool.  The local council is sending workers around the houses to suggest to people that they should go for a free test at the local centres which they have set up.
Child care workers have very low pay – the average is less than the minimum wage.  This means that they do not have good training and the quality of the service is not good.  They have to work hard for long hours.  Nearly all are women.  Because of the virus, many nurseries and child care centres are likely to close down because children are at home with parents.  Child care is really important for families who need to go out to work.  It is vital for children who live in poorer areas.  The Government will need to support these centres and improve conditions.