This is the fifth of a series of bulletins produced by ISE to update members on key data and policy on Covid-19. This bulletin just covers the period 16/04/2020-22/04/2020.

You can access all of the Covid-19 bulletins on the ISE website.

The week in Covid-19

Data taken from Wikipedia.

The Office for National Statistics have published an update on the impact of Covid-19 on the UK economy and society.

Politics, policy and government

• Criticism of the government’s approach to Covid-19 is growing. See the six points of criticism published by The Guardian.
• Ipsos MORI report the latest on the public’s opinion on Covid-19. Most people feel that the government acted too slowly.
• Discussion is beginning about the end to lockdown. The consensus is that a return to normality will be gradual. See The Guardian’s article ‘After the lockdown’ and commentary on exit strategy in The Conversation. Polling suggests that the public supports a long lockdown.
• The TUC call on the government to establish a National Council of Reconstruction involving employers and unions.

Education

• The launch of the T-levels is going ahead as planned.
• Apprenticeship training is still continuing despite the pandemic although some providers are struggling.
• The Association of Colleges launch a coronavirus resources hub for colleges.
• The Department for Education has published furlough rules for schools and colleges.
• It remains unclear when schools are going to reopen. Teachers have criticised speculation on the date of reopening. Denmark has reopened schools offering insights into what this process may be like.

Economy

• The government changed the guidance to allow people to be furloughed as long as they were employed before the 21st March. The government has also announced that furloughing can stay in place until the end of June.
• New research suggests that 43% of jobs in the UK could be done from home.
• Business is going to be key to the post-Covid-19 reconstruction. The Conversation suggests five ways businesses can contribute to a more balanced post-coronavirus future.

Labour market

• The number of job vacancies has fallen by 42% since the start of the lockdown.
• Layoffs are hitting lower-skilled workers and young people hardest.
• The Office for Budgetary Responsibility predicts that unemployment could grow by two million.

The student labour market

• Concerns about the youth labour market continue to grow. See BBC article ‘Coronavirus robbed me of my dream job’ and The Guardian’s articles on graduating in the recession and youth employment prospects.
• Covid-19’s impact on student jobs (ISE podcast).
• Three weeks into lockdown: a graduate labour market update (Blog from Charlie Ball).
• Sector update on the energy, engineering and industry and built environment sector (ISE webinar from Tristram Hooley).
• ISE launches a new employer survey on the student labour market and Covid-19.

Student recruitment

• Campus recruiting at a distance (ISE webinar from Steve Ward).
• How to adapt work experience and internships during Covid-19 (ISE blog from Stephen Isherwood – also see the webinar that this was based on).
• Virtual careers fairs may prove to be an important part of student recruitment next year.

Employer insights

The following insights are based on ISE’s interactions with employers during the period covered by this briefing.

• Recruitment. Firms are interested in moving to virtual careers fairs for next year.
• September starters. Most firms are currently finalising the numbers of new starters that they plan to take in September. Deferrals and later start dates for some are likely. Salaries are likely to be no higher than those offered in 2019.
• Post-graduate scheme. Some firms require graduates to apply for a permanent job at the end of their training. Not all of these trainees will necessarily get permanent roles.
• Managing resources. Many firms workload is currently very different from normal. As a consequence, early career staff are often being moved into different roles.
• Apprentices may be more likely to be furloughed than trainees as they can still train when on furlough.