The most common reasons for this were reduced working hours, reduced income and job loss. Respondents also frequently cited high inflation as a reason for the loss of income.
“Despite a massive expansion of social benefits and subsidies, the Corona crisis has had clear social consequences. One in three people of working age had to cope with a loss of income in the previous year – with sometimes noticeable effects on consumption options and life satisfaction. One in six people has lost their income However, the income situation improved in the same period,” said Statistics Austria Director General Tobias Thomas in a broadcast on Tuesday.
Particularly affected: farmers, craftsmen and service providers
According to this, 33 percent of those surveyed stated that they had suffered a loss of income. This was the case with an above-average frequency among the unemployed (53 percent) and those employed in certain occupational groups such as services and sales (37 percent), in agriculture (41 percent) or in crafts (36 percent). Employees in the area of operating or assembling systems and machines (45 percent) and unskilled workers (40 percent) were also badly affected.
Almost half (46 percent) of the 3,531 respondents said they had to use savings or borrow money. 39 percent reduced their consumption, for example by saving on food, clothing or other services. About 14 percent have not taken any special measures.
Every sixth person earned more
Every sixth person reported an increase in income. The most important impetus for this was an increase in working hours, increases in earned income or a new job or job change. Among the income winners were in particular academics (28 percent), people in technical professions (19 percent) and managers (25 percent).
Irrespective of the development of income over the last twelve months, 14 percent of those surveyed reported major difficulties in coping with their living expenses. The housing costs in particular were given as a heavy financial burden.
Source: Nachrichten
