Covid-19 has had particular ramifications for separated families. It has introduced potential barriers to children seeing their non-resident parents and risks to these parents having the earnings to provide financial support. Using data from the UKHLS Covid-19 study, for June 2020, this paper presents an encouraging picture of more solid relationships and financial support arrangements weathering the early storm. However, this sits alongside concerning reports of deterioration among those with poorer relationships prior to the pandemic. If this pattern persists, the pandemic has the potential to have an impact on the well-being and longer-term outcomes of children from separated families.
Prof Steve McKay, University of Lincoln, School of Social and Political Sciences
Caroline Bryson, Bryson Purdon Social Research LLP. and LSE doctoral student