Ipsos Research Highlights - December 2021
In our latest Ipsos Research Highlights we explore the rise in concern of COVID-19, reactions to the new restrictions, and who the public thinks would make the most capable Prime Minister.
At least 2 in 3 Britons think Government doing a bad job on managing immigration, the NHS and ‘levelling-up’
With reports circulating of the Downing Street Christmas parties, ratings for Boris Johnson and the Conservative party are suffering. Looking at delivery on policy areas, 84% of Britons give them the credit for the vaccine programme and say they've done a good job. However, the public are more critical in other areas, where they say the Government have done a bad job of improving the NHS, (70%) and reducing regional inequalities (66%) and immigration (where Conservative voters are also most unhappy).
Keir Starmer leads Boris Johnson on ‘most capable PM’ by 13 points
As satisfaction with the Prime Minister falls, Keir Starmer is reaping the benefits of Johnson's declining image and currently leads Boris Johnson on 8 out of 11 leadership attributes. Since June, Keir Starmer has improved by 5 points or more on capable leader (+7) and sound judgement (+12), whereas Boris Johnson has fallen by 14 points on capable leader and 10 points on sound judgement. However, Keir Starmer’s satisfaction ratings as Labour leader are largely unchanged so he still has his own issues to face.
Half of Britons think most politicians and their advisers are unlikely to follow new COVID-19 rules
As the restrictions tighten across Britain, the public have faith in themselves (82%) and NHS staff (85%) to follow rules such as working from home and wearing face masks. Half of Britons (53%) think most politicians and their advisers are unlikely to abide properly by new rules, and 26% believe they are not at all likely to stick to the new measures. British workers are split as to whether they will attend a work Christmas party if their employer holds one. A third say they will go if one is held, 35% say their work isn't holding one and 26% say they wouldn't attend.
Ipsos COVID trends: public concern about COVID-19 rises again
Concern about the personal risk of COVID-19 has risen to 65% and eight in ten are concerned for the country as a whole. In line with increased concern there has been an increase in belief that we need to take whatever measures necessary to control the spread of the virus and reduce the number of deaths. Just under three quarters (74%) of Britons believe it is important to wear a face mask in public situations. There are still just under half of Britons who are still are uncomfortable with the ideea of going abroad, using public transport and greeting people with hugs.
In other news
This year’s Veracity Index shows that librarians are among the most trusted professions, alongside doctors and nurses. We also found that trust in the police has fallen again 71% in 2020 to 63%.
We’ve looked at what the public considers acceptable and unacceptable at Christmas, 28% think it’s acceptable to leave their decorations up past the first week of January.
Some recent polling also reveals that 65% of Britons are following the alleged Downing Street Christmas party closely and 71% think it did actually happen and 6% think it did not.
As ever, please do let us know what you think, and I hope you find something to interest you.
Kelly Beaver
Chief Executive, Ipsos
[email protected]