BLACK PEOPLE are at almost twice the risk of dying from COVID-19 than white people and mortality rates from the virus are three times higher for men in lower-paid, manual roles, an independent report commissioned by the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has revealed.

The report, which analysed existing data from local and national sources, highlights the disproportionate effect of COVID-19 in relation to disability, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic position, age and other factors, including homelessness and being in prison.

It found that black people are at almost twice the risk of death from COVID-19 than white people, with men of Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage 1.8 times more likely and women from the same backgrounds 1.6 times at greater risk.

The disparity is partly due to longstanding socio-economic inequalities and the increased likelihood of underlying health conditions as well as the overrepresentation of black, Asian and minority ethnic people in careers such as health and social care, professions more likely to be exposed to the virus. In the capital, 16 per cent of black workers are in insecure roles, compared with six per cent of white workers, the report found.

“I urge ministers to invest in our communities and the organisations supporting those most at risk”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

Other findings show that are disproportionately more likely to die from COVID-19, according to ONS analyses, but women have experienced disproportionate economic, social and psychological impacts of the coronavirus.

The report also found that death rates for men in lower-paid manual roles were three times higher than those in management, business and desk-based jobs. Disabled Londoners were also found to have reported increased difficulties performing tasks such as shopping for groceries and accessing up-to-date health information about the virus.

Khan is calling for urgent government action to tackle the stark inequalities that have led to a disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the lives of Londoners.

He said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has hit us all but this report proves that, far from being a great leveller, it has disproportionately affected disabled Londoners, people in areas of high deprivation and those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

“It is simply not right for ministers to say they will do ‘whatever it takes’ to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus crisis but then stand by as whole sectors of our society find their lives and their livelihoods at risk.”

The mayor added: “I urge ministers to invest in our communities and the organisations supporting those most at risk, to ensure that accessible health guidance is available to all and, as case numbers are rising again, that there is adequate support in place for those who’ve lost their jobs, had their hours cut or been forced to self-isolate.”

The report was conducted by researchers at conducted by researchers at the University of Manchester and co-authored with the University of Sussex and The Ubele Initiative, the London based social enterprise.

Karl Murray and Yansie Rolston, The Ubele Initiative’s authors to the report, said: “From our work across the UK, we know that voluntary and community social enterprises often find themselves at the sharp end of those most impacted upon by major challenges and crisis that befall society, as they are at the sharp end face of action and response. With COVID-19, this has been no different and, through their work we hear the voices of how COVID-19 has impacted upon them. At times their voices are forceful and straight talking, while at another level, they are reassuring, inspirational and hopeful.

They added: “We hope, as we move to a new normal coming out of the crisis, that the role and contributions of voluntary and community social enterprises (VCSEs) are given due recognition and support as part of any transformational planning that is being planned for London.”