People living with long COVID in Scotland face severe financial pressures and are at risk of being “pushed into poverty”, a new study by researchers at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen and charity Poverty Alliance has found.

The ‘Long COVID, Long Consequences’ report calls for improved support and understanding across workplaces as well as additional financial support from both the UK and Scottish government for people affected.

The researchers say Long COVID is a complex and fluctuating condition affecting almost 1 in 10 Scots, who experience symptoms that include breathlessness, muscle pain, fatigue, memory and concentration problems known as ‘brain fog’.

While the severity of Long COVID symptoms varied, the research team report a ‘significant impact’ on participants’ daily quality of life.

Researchers found that all participants with Long COVID experienced a loss of household income since contracting Long COVID, with many forced to use any savings, being pushed into debt and some losing their jobs.

They also faced additional costs linked to adaptions needed for their changing health and capabilities, and barriers accessing disability or employment-related support.

One participant reported that, without access to along COVID specialist or dedicated service, they felt left with no support, while their breathing was the “worst it has ever been”, saying: “I couldn’t walk 100 metres without a break.”

Robert Gorden University researchers say delivering reasonable workplace adjustments and sick pay, and extending support to ensure people with Long COVID can access the benefit entitlements needed, could prevent more people falling into poverty.

Lead researcher, Dr Aileen Grant said:

“The participants in this study shared with us personal and deeply moving accounts of the impact of Long COVID on their past, current and future lives.

“Many were frontline workers who had little option but to work through the pandemic, where others have been able to move on.”

Participants shared that a lack of support was often underpinned by a difficulty accessing diagnosis and poor understanding of the symptoms and impact of Long COVID by some healthcare professions.

The research comes as the Scottish government announced £4.5m for health boards to improve services for those patients dealing with Long COVID and similar health conditions.

The report makes a series of recommendations, to employers, the UK and Scottish government – including wider recognition of the range of symptoms Long COVID patients face.

One participant in the study who lives with Long COVID shared:

“I was feeling like a fraud, you know, like I was. People were looking at me, thinking, ‘well, you look alright,’ but I’m trying to explain to people that, I’m struggling to get my breath.”

Participants also reported barriers to accessing social security including long waits, stressful assessments and uncertainty around reviews.

Dr Laura Robertson, Research Manager of the Poverty Alliance said:

“This research provides crucial evidence on the financial effects of Long COVID on people’s lives in Scotland.

“Without adequate support, people with Long COVID in Scotland are at risk of being pushed into poverty. In Scotland, we believe that everyone should be able to live a healthy, dignified life.

“Recommendations put forward by people with Long COVID and civil society organisations in Scotland must be acted upon.

“Government can strengthen social security, so it provides a stable foundation for people with Long COVID.”

The report calls on the UK government to reverse its planned cuts to the health element of universal credit and for both the UK and Scottish governments to invest in access to work services.

Both governments are called on to recognise Long COVID as a disability, improve understanding within the DWP and Social Security Scotland, and improve assessment processes.

The researchers and Poverty Alliance team also urge the Scottish government to invest in advice and welfare rights services to support people with Long COVID to navigate the social security system.

Professor Catriona Kennedy, Associate Dean for Research at RGU's School of Pharmacy, Applied Sciences and Public Health, added:

“For those still suffering consequences, we owe it to them to ensure appropriate support is in place.”

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