The London Intelligence tells London’s story through data. This publication analyses the latest data on how COVID-19 and restrictions on movement are affecting London's population and economy. This issue is produced in association with the Policy Institute and the Centre for Urban Science and Progress, at King’s College London.
London was hit first and hardest by the coronavirus pandemic, with high mortality rates and a sharp slowdown in every aspect of city life – although the capital’s job market seems to have been relatively resilient.
HEALTH IMPACT
Mortality rates are higher in London compared to other UK cities
London was hit earlier and harder by the virus compared to the rest of the country. In this first phase of the pandemic, London had the highest age-standardised mortality rate of UK major cities.
Within London, higher death rates are linked to deprivation
The death rate in the worst affected boroughs is twice that in the least affected. And boroughs with higher levels of deprivation – such as Newham, Tower Hamlets and Hackney – are also those with the highest age-standardised mortality rates from COVID-19.
ECONOMIC IMPACT AND BUSINESS OUTLOOK
While whole sectors of London’s economy are inactive, others remain open
A survey run by the Greater London Authority found that about 30 per cent of London residents had either lost their jobs, been furloughed, or seen working hours reduced because of the COVID crisis. London’s tourist and cultural economies have been severely impacted. But on a positive note, more than 70 per cent of London businesses report they are still able to continue trading and six in 10 of those businesses say they are financially confident to continue operations throughout this crisis.
Recruitment has slowed markedly, but London’s job market appears less affected than other regions
The GLA estimates that the fall in economic activity in London will be as steep as the national average. Job postings on Indeed in London were down by 49 per cent compared to last year but compared to the rest of the country, London seems slightly less affected at this point in the crisis.
MOBILITY AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
By international standards, London has seen a dramatic decline in movement
By international standards, London has seen a steep decline in activity during the lockdown phase, as measured by visits to places of work and consumption. Berliners and New Yorkers do not seem to have reduced their work and shopping trips as much as their counterparts in London and Paris in April, and neither have Tokyoites.
Global travel restrictions have led to a substantial reduction in departures from London’s major airports
London is among the five most visited cities in the world, and airports services are major employers in outer London. The dramatic slowing of international travel, if it persists, will represent a major shock for the city’s economy.
Lockdown has reduced emissions, especially in central London locations
Daily average NO2 has reduced by around 40 per cent at roadside sites in central London. The picture is particularly stark when we look at some of London’s busiest locations. Oxford Street has seen a 47 per cent reduction in daily average NO2 and for Marylebone Road concentration levels are 48 per cent below average.