Former mining areas hit hardest by impact of Covid-19 lockdown

The coronavirus crisis has exacerbated problems in former mining communities, which remain among the most disadvantaged areas in Scotland, according to new research.

A study by the Social Value Lab consultancy firm, commissioned by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT), found 31% of coalfield neighbourhoods are now in the most deprived 20% of Scottish communities.

It cited key challenges across education, employment, income and health.

There is significantly less employment in the coalfields (287 jobs per 1,000 people) compared to Scotland as a whole (467 per 1,000) and increasing dependence on income-related benefits, the research found.

The report also found coalfield communities have higher rates of 16 to 19-year-olds not in education, employment or training.

Just over a third (35%) of former coal mining communities are now included in Scotland’s most deprived 20% of neighbourhoods for education, according to the report.

CRT said since the study was completed, Covid-19 has already exacerbated existing problems in former mining areas, and warned that the impact of the pandemic will be felt for some time to come.

Nicky Wilson, chairman of the CRT trustees in Scotland, said: “While we’re proud of what we’ve achieved since the trust was founded in 1999, unfortunately, too many former mining areas are still among the most disadvantaged communities and many people are lagging behind in education.

“Rates of unemployment and child poverty are too high, and health and wellbeing still need to be improved.”

The report highlights the extent of the variation within and between coalfield areas with some progressing relatively well, while others are experiencing different issues and challenges.

It said support and intervention should therefore be “tailored in line with the challenges and opportunities in specific areas.”