Health and care workers fared worst in pandemic

A new study by the EU’s social and employment research agency EUROFOUND that looked at the experience of key workers during the pandemic has found that health and care workers had the poorest job quality overall. Half were in jobs that put their health and wellbeing at risk, and, as well as high levels of physical risk, they also faced abuse and threats from the public and high work intensity. Almost half (45%) reported that they dealt with emotionally disturbing situations at work. The study also looks at the difficulties experienced by other workers such as cleaners and refuse workers, transport workers, those working in food processing, and education workers, and it finds that they all faced specific challenges.