COVID Inquiry: Key Findings on Mental Health, Key Workers & Pandemic Legacy

The final module of the UK’s Covid-19 inquiry has concluded, bringing to a close almost three years of public hearings examining the nation’s response to the pandemic. Although previous phases of the inquiry delved into specific areas – care homes, the economy, vaccine rollout and political decision-making – this final stage took a broader view, assessing the pandemic’s lasting impact on British society and identifying lessons for the future. The inquiry, chaired by Heather Hallett, aimed to create a permanent record of the pandemic’s effects and, crucially, to recommend improvements for preparedness going forward.

The Strain on Mental Wellbeing

Experts testifying before the inquiry detailed a dramatic surge in demand for mental health services immediately following the first lockdown. Individuals with no prior history of mental health challenges reached out to charities like Mind in significant numbers, often after statutory services were disrupted. Reports indicated increases in suicide ideation, self-harm, eating disorders, and compulsive behaviours. Dr. Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, highlighted the impact of constant news coverage and a pervasive sense of crisis. “Every time there was an announcement by a minister, all of the helplines would experience a significant spike in contact with people who were deeply anxious,” she stated.

The long-term consequences of the pandemic on mental health are still unfolding. Hughes explained that the inability to properly grieve or hold funerals for loved ones has led to complex grief and post-traumatic stress disorder, issues the nation is only beginning to understand. This echoes findings from a report by the King’s Fund, which detailed the widening gap in mental health support and the demand for sustained investment in services.

Recognition and Risk for Key Workers

The inquiry also heard testimony about the experiences of key workers – those in essential roles who continued working throughout the pandemic. Many felt ignored and undervalued, and faced high levels of abuse and intimidation while enforcing social distancing measures. John Leach, assistant general secretary of the RMT union representing transport workers, described how verbal and physical abuse was “exacerbated” by the pressures of Covid and has unfortunately continued. He reported instances of staff being threatened with spitting, affecting bus drivers, station staff, train drivers, cleaners, and maintenance workers.

The tragic case of Belly Mujinga, a railway ticket office worker who died after being spat at while on duty, served as a stark example of the risks faced by frontline workers. Joanne Thomas, general secretary of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, said workers frequently felt “very regularly dehumanised,” a deeply unsettling experience while striving to serve the public. This underscores the need for greater protections and recognition for essential workers during public health emergencies.

The Normalisation of Temporary Housing Solutions

The pandemic significantly impacted housing and homelessness, particularly through the “Everyone In” initiative. This program saw councils house individuals at risk of rough sleeping, often in hotels. While initially a successful emergency measure, the inquiry heard that housing people in hotels and B&Bs has become normalised as a long-term solution. St Mungo’s reported that the pandemic “normalised temporary accommodation that we’ve never got away from,” and that this trend has persisted.

Whereas, this reliance on temporary accommodation isn’t without its challenges. Shelter highlighted that individuals in hotels often experienced severe mental health crises, with skeleton staff ill-equipped to handle complex needs, including suicide attempts and substance abuse issues. Experts urged that the housing and homelessness sector must be integrated into emergency planning for future pandemics or national emergencies to avoid repeating these mistakes. The Shelter website provides further information on the ongoing housing crisis and the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.

Disabled People Left in a “Vacuum”

Witnesses described how the pandemic created a “vacuum” of support for disabled people, as social care services “disappeared overnight” and a climate of fear took hold. Those with disabilities, who were more vulnerable to severe Covid-19, found themselves without essential assistance. Lara Wong, from Clinically Vulnerable Families, explained that “extended shielding, repeated disruption to healthcare and prolonged exclusion from everyday activities meant risk management became a constant feature of daily life.”

As restrictions eased, disabled people struggled to reintegrate into their routines, and a loss of trust in public health measures persisted. Prof Nick Watson, chair of disability studies at the University of Glasgow, noted that messaging framing deaths as occurring among those with “underlying conditions” contributed to feelings of devaluation. He recounted a disturbing case of a young woman with a learning disability who developed severe anxiety and began washing herself with bleach, requiring hospitalisation. “This is the result of high anxiety building up and nobody to talk to,” he said. This highlights the critical need for inclusive pandemic planning that prioritises the needs of disabled individuals.

The BMA’s Assessment of Government Failings

A report released in November 2025, as highlighted by the British Medical Association (BMA), offered a scathing assessment of the UK government’s handling of the pandemic. The BMA chair of council, Dr Tom Dolphin, described the government’s response as a “catastrophic failure” marked by a lack of urgency and complacency. The report suggested that an earlier national lockdown – just one week sooner – could have prevented approximately 23,000 deaths in England alone. The BMA also criticised “misleading assurances” from the Department of Health and Social Care regarding the UK’s pandemic preparedness. You can read more about the BMA’s response here.

The inquiry’s findings, combined with assessments like the BMA’s, paint a picture of a society profoundly changed by the pandemic. Beyond the immediate health crisis, the long-term consequences for mental health, the recognition of key workers, housing solutions, and the support of disabled people will require sustained attention and investment.

Looking Ahead: Incorporating Lessons Learned

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry is expected to publish its full report with recommendations later in 2026. The inquiry’s website (covid19.public-inquiry.uk) will be the primary source for these findings. The process of reviewing and implementing these recommendations will likely involve multiple government departments, healthcare providers, and community organisations. Public health officials will be closely monitoring the impact of these changes and adapting strategies as needed. The goal is to build a more resilient and equitable society, better prepared to face future health challenges.