The economic fallout from the pandemic is grim: a 14 per cent contraction of the economy this year, the deepest recession for 300 years and unemployment set to more than double. Behind these numbers are millions of people who face a catastrophic hit to their livelihoods. Protecting them from the hardship that will follow must be the focus of government policy as social distancing continues.
This means not just rolling the job retention and income support schemes beyond June but going further. A minimum income guarantee for the millions falling through the cracks of the Government’s existing schemes, the suspension of rents, and a mortgage freeze, would be a good start. These are unprecedented times and the Government must not shy from taking unprecedented action to protect us. If it does, we can build back better from this.
Miatta Fahnbulleh, CEO, New Economics Foundation
Editor's reply
Dear Miatta
In the immediate term, the priority has to be to bring this awful pandemic under control and save lives. Second, the Government must shore up the economy as best it can and minimise the inevitable toll of bankruptcies and unemployment during the initial plunge. But you are right, there will need to be a longer-term recovery plan. It is clear the impact of this disease will be with us for years not months. The detailed preparation for that has to begin now.
Jonathan Prynn, Consumer Business Editor
Get on your bike but cycle safe
I welcome the encouragement to cycle to work. I suggest those who haven’t been on their bikes for a while google the good refresher courses available online. You will need a place to store your bike too. Ask your council for a bike hangar and for Sheffield Stands at work. And don’t forget a good lock.
Philip Benstead, Bikeability instructor
