Occupation and COVID-19 deaths: Scotland in a comparative perspective

Abstract

There are occupational disparities in the risk of COVID-19. People working in occupations with close contact with others may be at a higher risk of death due to COVID-19. Occupational exposures may also be modified by the workplace policies put in place to protect workers in different national contexts. In this Data Insights, we explore how COVID-19 mortality rates vary by occupation for women and men in Scotland in the period between 1st March 2020 and 31st January 2021. Using a national novel linked data collection, we contrast preliminary results for Scotland with those from a similar linked data study for England. Generally, Scottish adults had higher COVID-19 mortality rates compared to English adults, with women showing lower rates than men. In Scotland, men working in essential elementary service occupations, such as kitchen assistants and waiters, along with large goods vehicle and taxi drivers had exceptionally high mortality rates. In contrast to English men, lower mortality rates were observed for Scottish men working as health professionals and as care and home workers, suggesting that the policies implemented in the health and social care sector in Scotland may offer a higher degree of protection.

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DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.7488/era/1622

Repository URI

http://eprints.gla.ac.uk/261242/