Once again on Class and Covid
It was established during the first wave of COVID-19 in the spring and early summer of 2020 that the disease had a differential impact depending on class and ethnicity.
There were more infections and sadly more deaths amongst ethnic minorities. This was briefly highlighted and is occasionally referenced by ONS studies but of course nothing was or is being done by the Johnson Government.
It appears that some ethnic groups may be more susceptible to COVID than others but there are many other factors in the mix including social class, occupation, geography and so on.
As we enter 2021 the matter is being highlighted again. Unite the Union which represents London bus drivers has noted Transport for London figures that so far 42 London bus drivers have died of COVID-19. The Union has successfully got safety measures in place and is now arguing for some additional precautions:
Bus driving in London where many key workers use the bus to get to work in London is an occupation where bus drivers in a cab for a lengthy period are more likely than many to be exposed to COVID-19.
It’s worth keeping in mind that the Government has done nothing on raising sick pay to a level where lower paid workers can actually afford to self-isolate and eat. It is also still planning to cut Universal Credit benefits.
The average salary for a London bus driver will vary depending on hours worked but it is a bit above the average wage at £30K upwards, perhaps around or a little below the London average wage.
Many London workers from supermarket employees to cleaners and security guards earn less. They will often live in shared housing and need to earn a living come what may.
Interestingly the BBC has published a report on the situation in Los Angeles that is a lot more specific than anything that can be found on parts of London and other cities:
It notes:
While Covid-19 can infect anyone, it’s definitely more cruel to the have-nots than the haves.
For every case of Covid in Beverly Hills, there are six times more in Compton. While two people from Bel Air have died, more than 230 people have lost their lives in working-class East LA.
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