Back to school concerns at lowest since start of April

The latest results from Populus Group’s weekly Covid-19 Tracker reveals that the public’s concern about children returning to school is now at its lowest level since 3rd April.

Following the Government’s announcement last week that Nursery children, Reception, Year One and Year Six would be returning to school on 1 June 2020 concern spiked, however, as plans have been communicated about how the realities of this are to be achieved concern has fallen to 49 per cent saying that they are only ‘fairly worried’.

Worry has been found to drop most amongst grandparents – those aged over 65 – down from a high of 61 per cent last week to 51 per cent this week. Parents (adults aged between 35 and 44) have also seen a reduction in concern from 60 per cent last week to 56 per cent this week.

Comments Manfred Abraham, CEO, BrandCap part of the Populus Group: “Naturally people with children are concerned about the safety aspects of returning to school. However, what this study shows is that it is critical that communication about easing of lockdown is clear and transparent. As the plans are being communicated to make the return to school a reality the concern and worry felt by parents and grandparents is eased.

The same is true for businesses. As we move into this new phase, one of hopeful recovery, it is critical that organisations communicate their plans for safeguarding their people as the return to work begins to be phased in.”