PUTTING THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE

The jobs most at risk of death from coronavirus

MEN working as security guards, chefs, and taxi drivers are among the most likely to die from Covid-19. New figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed the inequalities of the pandemic when it comes to the workers affected.

A total of 2,494 deaths involving coronavirus in people aged between 20 and 64 were registered in England and Wales from 6 March to 20 April.

The analysis shows 63 male security guards had died of the virus in that time - 46 for every 100,000 men working in the profession.

That compares to an overall rate of 10 deaths for every 100,000 men of working age.

There have also been 76 deaths of male taxi drivers (36 for every 100,000) and 31 of male chefs (also 36 for every 100,000).

The analysis focuses on men, as they are nearly twice as likely to die from coronavirus as women.

Nearly two-thirds of the total number of deaths were among men (1,612 deaths), with around 10 deaths per 100,000 men compared with around five deaths per 100,000 women (882 deaths).

In particular, men working in low-paid, manual jobs are at the highest risk of death from the virus.

Some 225 men in low skilled jobs have died from the virus so far, or 21 for every 100,000 - making them nearly four times more likely to die from the virus than men in professional occupations.

There have been 127 deaths of men in professional occupations, or six for every 100,000 workers.

Looking at specific jobs, male care workers and home carers (32 deaths per 100,000) and bus and coach drivers (26 per 100,000) are also among those with the highest coronavirus death rate.

In fact, social care workers are twice as likely to die from coronavirus as healthcare workers, such as doctors and nurses regardless of age and sex.

There have been 10 deaths for every 100,000 male healthcare workers and five for every 100,000 female healthcare workers.

In comparison, there have been 23 deaths for every 100,000 male social care workers, and 10 for every 100,000 female social care workers.

According to the ONS, this is because some healthcare workers may have reduced exposure to COVID-19 during lockdown, for instance, because of people not having dental or optician appointments.

It is also possible that some deaths among healthcare workers will be investigated by coroners, delaying the registration of these deaths.

Lack of PPE in social care settings may also be an issue.

The ONS said its analysis does not conclusively prove that the different rates in deaths involving Covid-19 are caused by differences in occupational exposure.

Researchers had adjusted the data for age, but not for other factors such as ethnic group or place of residence - and the findings could change as more deaths are registered.