Two out of three workers think economic meltdown caused by lengthy lockdown will not affect them

 

TWO out of three workers think they will be left no worse off by  a lengthy lockdown  despite Britain facing economic meltdown.

A whopping 67 per cent believe their financial situation will stay more or less the same — and 12 per cent actually expect their bank balance to improve if restrictions stay in place a little longer.

Boarded up businesses and quiet streets in lockdown Britain

But on Saturday night a stunned boss warned they were living in a “fools’ paradise”.

And a senior Tory warned: “They may feel safe being feather-bedded by the Government, but when the economy collapses it will cease to be a paid holiday and will become a nightmare for many.”

An exclusive poll for HOAR on Sunday was carried out hours before official figures revealed the economy shrank by more than a fifth during the first full month of lockdown — the biggest fall on record.

The survey shows that, despite risks dwindling, most Brits are  more afraid of catching coronavirus than losing their job.

Some 44 per cent think the lockdown strangling British business is being eased too quickly. 

Only 18 per cent think it is too slow and 30 per cent say it is at the right pace.

More than half say they will not go out shopping when the high street re-opens on Monday.

And, according to the poll by Redfield and Wilton Strategies,  a similar proportion think it acceptable for some schools to refuse to open in September. 

A senior boss said: “I’m afraid many workers haven’t yet grasped what’s coming to them. 

“These people are on permanent holiday, seeing their kids in the garden and their salary is being paid. Most have no idea that their company is in dire straits. They simply aren’t thinking about the future.

“Many are living in a fools’ paradise and they’ve got a rude awakening coming.”

The UK economy shrank by more than a fifth in the first month of lockdown

More than half of Brits polled say they will not go to the shops on Monday

Former Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said: “It’s  astonishing  people are so relaxed about their future.

“Yes, it is clear Government measures have successfully protected them   during lockdown.

“And when coupled with the incredibly strong, almost threatening, language about the risk posed by the virus, it’s no wonder that the public feels fearful.

“But ministers have got to start getting the message out that we have to return to normal quickly.

“It is vital for everybody’s well-being and mental health, not just for the money.”

While 56 per cent would feel safe returning to work if it was officially sanctioned, the other 44 per cent stated they would not.

Just one in 20 fear they could be in “dire” trouble and would require serious financial help.

Yet in a massive blow to the travel industry, only 15 per cent say they are planning to book a foreign holiday — compared with 73 per cent before the pandemic.

And just 17 per cent say they will take a holiday in the UK, with 55 per cent saying they are now not booking a getaway at all.

When it comes to Boris Johnson’s handling of the crisis, 42 per cent disapproved compared to 40 per cent who approved.

Redfield and Wilton Strategies, members of the British Polling Council, interviewed a representative sample of 1,500 adults on June 11.