Ipsos Research Highlights - 6 October 2021
In our latest Ipsos Research Highlights we explore perceptions of both the Conservative and Labour parties, reactions to the tax increase and gender equality.
Conservatives hit six-year low for being seen as a party ‘concerned about people in real need’
The Conservative party have gone into their conference season ahead in the polls and more fit to govern that the Labour party. The Conservatives lead over Labour as 41% say they have the ‘best policies for Britain’s businesses’ but the belief that they are 'concerned about people in real need in Britain' has fallen from 26% in 2020 to just 17%. Forty-three per cent say the Labour party are best for ‘looking after the interests of working people’ compared to just 21% for the Conservatives.
Johnson and Starmer neck and neck on who would make ‘the most capable Prime Minister’ but public doubts about Labour persist
The Conservatives’ lead has fallen to just 3 points ahead since August and only 20% of Britons say they 'like' the Prime Minister, which is his lowest likeability scores since he became leader. However, Keir Starmer still has a way to go as 51% are dissatisfied with him and only 25% think Labour is ready to form the next Government. In addition only a quarter think the Labour party are fit to govern and the majority (56%) think they are divided.
Support for Government’s tax rise for NHS and social care splits opinion
As the Government announced plans to increase national insurance, reactions from the public are mixed. Britons are split on whether it was right (38%) or wrong (39%) for the Government to break their manifesto promise. Around half of Britons view this policy as unfair for poorer (55%) and young people (45%) but 53% say it is fair for richer people. Overall, nearly half think it will do little when it comes to tackling staff shortages and improving the quality of care.
Ipsos Issues Index: Public concern about COVID-19 continues to fall
Thirty-seven per cent of Britons say the COVID-19 is one of the biggest issues facing the country, down from 40% in August. Following the announcement of an increase in national insurance tax, concern about both the NHS and social care has risen significantly. Thirty per cent now mention the health service as one of the biggest issues for the country, up nine percentage points since August.
The majority of Britons think gender inequality will not be addressed as Britain recovers from the pandemic
Research shows that women have been worst affected by the pandemic, but 61% of Britons say that COVID-19 will have the same impact on men and women in the future. Over half (53%) expect the level of equality to be the same as it was pre-pandemic. However, research has shown women have been worse affected and Britons do want to prioritise flexible working (41%) and better mental health services (35%).
In other news
We've looked at holiday habits during the pandemic with 81% of Britons are likely to plan staycations compared to just 42% who are considering going further afield.
Just over half of Britons (53%) think the economy will get worse over the next 12 months (+14 pts from August), and 31% think it will get better.
And finally, you may have heard that I have been appointed as Ipsos’ new global Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Didier Truchot from 15 November 2021. It's an honour to be asked to lead the company I joined as a graduate in the 1980s. I want to build on all the things that have fuelled our growth over the last few years, while empowering people to do their very best work for our clients.
As ever, please do let us know what you think, and I hope you find something to interest you.
Ben Page
Chief Executive, Ipsos
[email protected]