Publication - Impact assessment

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - prolonged home working for Scottish Government staff: equality impact assessment

Published: 30 July 2021
From: Director-General Corporate
Directorate: Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate, +1 more … People Directorate
Part of: Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland, Public sector
ISBN: 9781802011562

Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for prolonged home working for Scottish Government staff and new safe and secure workplace arrangements in response to COVID-19.

Supporting documents

Stage 2: Data and evidence gathering, involvement and consultation

While there is a growing evidence base for the impact of Covid-19 on protected characteristic groups and the measures to limit the spread of the virus in the community, we have less data on the direct impact Covid-19 has had on Scottish Government staff. We are running an all staff survey [June 2021] to capture staff responses methodically. Where we have been able to associate evidence captured from Scottish Government staff we have included that in the tables below. Further engagement across all groups as we prepare for any future return to buildings or new ways of working is recommended as part of a wider programme of staff engagement.

This series of tables breaks down evidence gathered for different protected characteristics^[4]

Age

33.1% of the workforce are aged 50+

15% of the workforce are aged 16 - 29

Equality outcomes and mainstreaming report 2019 - SG Mainstreaming report

Evidence available is predominantly relevant to the impact in the community, rather than SG specifically. Although some evidence exists on the impact of SG staff, this does not provide enough detail to distinguish between protected characteristic groups.

There would be benefit in further consultation with staff networks to explore in more detail the impact Covid-19 and working from home has had on different groups to help inform the future of work at Scottish Government.

Health

Older people are at a higher risk of ill health or death from Covid-19

They are more likely to have a long-term health condition than not to have one (55+) and more likely to be disabled (have a limiting long-term health condition) than not to be (75+).

Impact of coronavirus on Equality Groups - https://www.gov.scot/publications/inequalities-by-age-in-the-context-of-coronavirus-slide-pack/

Anxiety

Older people (60+) are experiencing some aspects of the lockdown situation differently from younger people, worrying less about finances but worrying more about access to essentials.

Coronavirus and the social impacts on older people in Great Britain: 3 April to 10 May 2020 - https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/ageing/articles/coronavirusandthesocialimpactsonolderpeopleingreatbritain/3aprilto10may2020

Wellbeing

Older people have higher mean WEMWBS scores in general, indicative of better wellbeing (52.0 for 65-74 year olds and 50.4 for 75+, compared to 49.8 overall in 2019), while younger people have a lower mean WEMWBS score (49.3 for 16-24 year olds and 49.1 for 25-34 years olds).

Older people have increased levels of social isolation caused by the impacts of Covid-19

Impact of coronavirus on Equality Groups - https://www.gov.scot/publications/inequalities-by-age-in-the-context-of-coronavirus-slide-pack/

Coronavirus Health and Social Impact Assessment - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-health-and-social-impact-assessment/

Caring

Staff concerns reported to the People Advice and Wellbeing Team related to the impact of additional caring responsibilities on career progression/development due to Covid-19 and its related impacts on normal educational and/or care arrangements of children, specifically people were concerned that:

Additional caring demands meant less time to apply for roles or to take on developmental work
Managers might view them as less committed because they needed greater flexibility to cope with caring responsibilities
Unable to take on high profile/high demand pieces of work due to time pressures associated with additional caring demands, and concern that this in turn would impact on longer term career progression.

Concerns reported to the People Advice and Wellbeing team

Economic consequences

Younger people in Scotland were more likely to already be financially vulnerable and in unmanageable debt before the pandemic (50% and 6.3% respectively of households where the highest income earner was aged 16-34, compared to 34% and 2.9% overall). Initial UK surveys suggest they may already have resorted to using up savings, relying on overdrafts, borrowing from family and friends or accessing a new loan or credit card (Ipsos, 18-34 year olds).

Impact of coronavirus on Equality Groups - https://www.gov.scot/publications/inequalities-by-age-in-the-context-of-coronavirus-slide-pack/

Career progression, leaning and development

Survey respondents mentioned a desire to have greater access to training/events for professional development. This may be more prevalent for younger colleagues and those earlier on in their career than for those who have been employed for longer.

'Homeworking Research - Phase 1 Report - August 2020' - https://erdm.scotland.gov.uk:8443/documents/A30303478/details

Further engagement with L&D colleagues to better understand the views and concerns from new members

Disability

8% of workers in the SG are recorded as being disabled. This includes staff having respiratory, cardiovascular, diabetes or other long term progressive illness and also staff with undefined long term conditions/illnesses that lead them to be classified as disabled.

Equality outcomes and mainstreaming report 2019 - SG Mainstreaming report

Health

Disabled people are more likely to experience exacerbation of already poor physical health and a higher risk of death due to Covid-19

Impact of coronavirus on Equality Groups - https://www.gov.scot/publications/inequalities-by-disability-in-the-context-of-coronavirus-slide-pack/

Mental Health

Disabled people are more likely to experience exacerbation of already poor mental health due to loneliness and reductions in mental wellbeing experienced during isolation and restrictions in the ability to undertake physical activity.

Impact of coronavirus on Equality Groups - https://www.gov.scot/publications/inequalities-by-disability-in-the-context-of-coronavirus-slide-pack/

Access to essentials

Disabled people are more likely to experience difficulties accessing food and other essential supplies due to potential shortages of food in shops, difficulties affording food, and isolation.

Impact of coronavirus on Equality Groups - https://www.gov.scot/publications/inequalities-by-disability-in-the-context-of-coronavirus-slide-pack/

Face coverings

Staff carrying out essential business that cannot be done from home and who have to access our buildings to work should follow the latest Scottish Government guidance on the wearing of face coverings in workplaces. Some colleagues with a physical or mental illness, disability, or who suffer distress as a result of wearing a face covering may be exempt from having to wear a face covering, possibly increasing the risk of transmitting Covid-19. They may also be at an increased risk of catching the virus as face coverings also provide some protection to the wearer (if worn correctly and of good quality). Face coverings must be used in addition to (and not in replacement of) further measures such as physical distancing, hygiene and ventilation and to reduce risk of COVID via all transmission routes (via air, close contact and contaminated surfaces)

Wearing face coverings in our buildings - http://saltire/my-workplace/buildings-and-environment/coronavirus-and-our-buildings/Pages/Supply-of-face-coverings-to-essential-staff.aspx

Accessible workplaces

We have a duty to put in place workplace adjustments for disabled people.^[5]. This includes the digital workplace to support home working.

Equality Act 2010 - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents

Engagement with Accessibility Unit to better understand where accessibility improvements should be made

Return to workplaces

Many disabled colleagues are feeling anxious about return to workplaces and there are many issues that individuals are thinking about. However, disabled colleagues are excited about what the medium and longer term opportunities for different working arrangements given the new flexibility and innovation seen during the previous 12 months.

Staff Network and DG Economy conversation 2020-21

Sex

Women make up 54% of the SG workforce.

Equality outcomes and mainstreaming report 2019 - SG Mainstreaming report

Part time lower paid work

Some women are overrepresented in part time lower paid work and Covid-19 will have increased their workplace risk

Impact of coronavirus on Equality Groups - https://www.gov.scot/publications/inequalities-by-gender-in-the-context-of-coronavirus-slide-pack/

Caring responsibilities

Caring responsibilities may make it harder to maintain or take on employment. The vast majority of lone parents are also women, and three-quarters of lone parent households were already financially vulnerable in 2016-18 (73%), and more likely than average to be in unmanageable debt.

Impact of coronavirus on Equality Groups - https://www.gov.scot/publications/inequalities-by-gender-in-the-context-of-coronavirus-slide-pack/

Engagement session with Women’s Development Network, 23 February 2020

Domestic abuse

In 2018-19 82% of all incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the Police in 2018-19 the victim was a woman and the accused was a man (where gender information was recorded).

Over the period of lockdown and Phases 1 to 3 many Violence Against Women and Girls organisations observed significant increases in crisis work with victims, with many people experiencing suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety, increasing substance misuse as a coping mechanism, and/or increased levels of fear, both of the perpetrator and the virus.

Impact of coronavirus on Equality Groups - https://www.gov.scot/publications/inequalities-by-gender-in-the-context-of-coronavirus-slide-pack/

Wellbeing

Women are experiencing significant mental health impacts from the pandemic and women in the UK continue to be more lonely than men.

The impacts of coronavirus on equality in Scotland - https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/research-and-analysis/2020/09/the-impacts-of-coronavirus-on-equality-in-scotland/documents/full-report/full-report/govscot%3Adocument/coronavirus%2Band%2BInequalities%2BFinal%2BReport%2BFor%2BPublication%2B-%2BPDF.pdf

Pregnancy And Maternity

On the 16th March, the UK government classed pregnant women, particularly those over 28 weeks, as ‘vulnerable’ to severe illness if infected with Covid-19. Official UK government advice is that all pregnant women should ‘carefully’ adhere to social distancing rules.

NHS Inform - https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesss-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-coronavirus-

Mental Health

More than 1 in 10 women develop a mental illness in the perinatal period

Maternal Mental Health Alliance - https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/about/the-issue/

Workplace changes

Returning to the workplace generally after maternity leave – the workplace will look very different from what the individual left due to risk mitigation measures against the transmission of Covid-19.

Some women returning to work after a period of maternity leave will be experiencing working from home for the first time. This compares to their colleagues who may now be comfortable working from home, and therefore consideration and support may be needed to help them reintegrate into teams.

Returning to our workplaces - http://saltire/my-workplace/buildings-and-environment/coronavirus-and-our-buildings/Pages/Returning-to-our-workplaces.aspx

Engagement session with Women’s Development Network, 23 February 2020

Gender Reassignment

Mental Health

Increased levels of mental health problems including depression, anxiety and self-harm, which are already prevalent amongst the trans community. In the current crisis situation, these problems are likely to be exacerbated by all of the issues outlined above, as well as the general stress of the crisis. At the same time, many NHS and third-sector mental health services have less capacity to offer support.

Lack of access to gender-affirming health care potentially deemed non-essential, which could lead to negative mental health outcomes for those intending to use it.

Scottish Government Equality Outcomes: Gender Evidence Review - https://www2.gov.scot/Publications/2013/04/8765

Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty. Assessment of the Health and Social Impacts of coronavirus - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-health-and-social-impact-assessment/

Access to prescriptions

Hormone prescriptions, some of which require administration by a practice nurse, may not be readily available. This can lead to anxiety and unwanted side-effects of hormonal changes, and could potentially contribute to unsafe self-injection or use of unverified drugs

Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty. Assessment of the Health and Social Impacts of coronavirus - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-health-and-social-impact-assessment/

Domestic Abuse

Abuse from unsupportive families or partners who some trans people may be required to spend time with due to the ‘lockdown’. This could contribute to increased stress or distress, and increased risk of abuse or exacerbation of existing abuse, with less likelihood that others will identify the abuse or be able to intervene.

Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty. Assessment of the Health and Social Impacts of coronavirus - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-health-and-social-impact-assessment/

Workplace Discrimination

The Scottish Transgender Alliance^[66]

observes that the workplace is one of the most likely locations for transphobic discrimination and harassment to occur.

The three key issues identified by the Scottish Transgender Alliance for Transgender people in employment are:

the risk of transphobic workplace gossip, bullying and harassment occurring if their work colleagues or managers find out they are Transgender
discrimination during the recruitment process, especially at interview
for employees undergoing gender reassignment, arranging with their employer to get the necessary time off for medical appointments and any surgery.

26% of LGBT young people in employment had experienced verbal abuse at work l 22% had experienced rumours and 21% had been ignored l 5% had been physically assaulted l 5% had their belongings stolen. These figures were similar for transgender young people.

Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty. Assessment of the Health and Social Impacts of coronavirus - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-health-and-social-impact-assessment/

Scottish Government Equality Outcomes: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Evidence Review - https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-government-equality-outcomes-lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-lgbt-evidence-review/pages/8/

Equality Outcomes and Mainstreaming Report 2019 - https://www.gov.scot/publications/equality-outcomes-mainstreaming-report-2019/

Sexual Orientation

Around 3% of adults responding to Scottish Government core surveys self-identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or other. However, it is likely this undercounts the number of adults self-identifying as LGBO. LGBO respondents may not feel comfortable being open with a survey interviewer, and some respondents might see this question as intrusive and personal.

The proportion of SG staff identifying as LGBT+ is 4%.

Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty. Assessment of the Health and Social Impacts of coronavirus - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-health-and-social-impact-assessment/

Mental wellbeing

Results from an online survey conducted by the LGBT Foundation showed that 42% of LGBT people would like to access support for their mental health, with the number rising to 66% for BAME LGBT people.

Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty. Assessment of the Health and Social Impacts of coronavirus - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-health-and-social-impact-assessment/

Domestic abuse

Due to the collapse of employment opportunities and closure of colleges and universities, some LGBT people have been forced to return home to self-isolate with family opposed to their sexuality^[6]

Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty. Assessment of the Health and Social Impacts of coronavirus - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-health-and-social-impact-assessment/

Health and Social Care

For some LGBT people, existing inequalities such as restricted access to healthcare will deepen as a result of the health crisis^[7]. The LGBT Foundation found that found that 34% of LGBT people responding to its online survey have had a medical appointment cancelled, and 23% have either been unable to access medication or were worried that they might not be able to access medication.

Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty. Assessment of the Health and Social Impacts of coronavirus - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-health-and-social-impact-assessment/

Race

2% of staff within the Scottish Government are minority ethnic.

Equality outcomes and mainstreaming report 2019 - SG Mainstreaming report

Risk of infection

Higher likelihood of multi-generational families which may increase risk of infection. There may be a need for further advice on self-isolation or shielding in these circumstances.

Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty. Assessment of the Health and Social Impacts of coronavirus - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-health-and-social-impact-assessment/

Underlying illness

Higher rates of underlying illness especially diabetes and cardio-vascular disease, which may mean there are higher numbers in shielded groups and may indicate a need for some specialised advice and support.

Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty. Assessment of the Health and Social Impacts of coronavirus - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-health-and-social-impact-assessment/

Communication and cultural differences

Inability to communicate adequately because of language, stigma, prejudice or other cultural differences in health and social care settings are likely to lead to negative outcomes. This is particularly the case while people are attending primary care settings unaccompanied.

Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty. Assessment of the Health and Social Impacts of coronavirus - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-health-and-social-impact-assessment/

Housing

Considerations around the housing context for ethnic minorities especially around relationships between tenants and landlords.

Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty. Assessment of the Health and Social Impacts of coronavirus - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-health-and-social-impact-assessment/

Attainment

Attainment issues which may arise both for those ethnicities with tradition of high attainment (in terms of anxiety and sense of loss) and those who tend to be more disadvantaged (in terms of staying motivated, access to resources and remaining on track).

Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty. Assessment of the Health and Social Impacts of coronavirus - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-health-and-social-impact-assessment/

Hate Crime

Increases in racially motivated hate crime. Monitoring of hate crime data will be needed to ensure that any spikes in racially aggravated hate crime due to Covid-19 are dealt with.

Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty. Assessment of the Health and Social Impacts of coronavirus - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-health-and-social-impact-assessment/

Support for minority groups

Ethnic minorities were more likely to say that they didn’t have support in times of crisis. While ethnic minorities are unable to access traditional community spaces (including religious buildings) due to Covid-19 there may be an even greater need to ensure that routes are open for people to provide and receive culturally appropriate practical and social support.

Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty. Assessment of the Health and Social Impacts of coronavirus - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-health-and-social-impact-assessment/

Religion Or Belief

Places of worship

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted religion in various ways, including the cancellation of the worship services of various faiths and the closure of Sunday Schools. Religious groups have been forced to sacrifice major festivals that punctuate their practice over the year. Christians were unable to attend Holy Week services, Muslims have experienced Ramadan without communal Iftar meals each day. The Jewish community experienced Passover without extended Seders, and Sikhs were unable to mark the festival of Vaisakhi.

The Health Protection (Covid-19) (Restrictions) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 require that places of worship are closed for the duration of this emergency period, with effect from 26 March.

Equality and Fairer Scotland Duty. Assessment of the Health and Social Impacts of coronavirus - https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-health-and-social-impact-assessment/

Multi-faith and contemplation facilities

Consideration must be made to the availability of safe facilities when buildings re-open

St Andrew’s House during coronavirus - http://saltire/my-workplace/buildings-and-environment/coronavirus-and-our-buildings/Pages/St-Andrews-House-during-coronavirus.aspx

Marriage And Civil Partnership

We are not aware of any relevant existing evidence at this time on marriage and civil partnership in relation to the policy.

No further action is required for this EQIA

Single Households And Lone Workers

Where people live and/or work alone, working from home could lead to concerns regarding isolation, mental health and wellbeing, and space for suitable workspace

Anecdotal

Contact

Email: COVID-19CorporateContinuityHub@gov.scot

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Information

Stage 2: Data and evidence gathering, involvement and consultation

Age

Wellbeing

Disability

Sex

Pregnancy And Maternity

Gender Reassignment

Sexual Orientation

Race

Religion Or Belief

Marriage And Civil Partnership

Single Households And Lone Workers

Contact

There is a problem