The UK Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and diet, physical activity, and sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from eight longitudinal population surveys

BACKGROUND: In March 2020, the UK implemented the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough) to minimise job losses. Our aim was to investigate associations between furlough and diet, physical activity, and sleep during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We analysed data on 25,092 participants aged 16-66 years from eight UK longitudinal studies. Changes in employment, including being furloughed, were based on employment status before and during the first lockdown. Health behaviours included fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and sleep. Study-specific estimates obtained using modified Poisson regression, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and pre-pandemic health and health behaviours, were statistically pooled using random effects meta-analysis. Associations were also stratified by sex, age, and education. RESULTS: Across studies, between 8 and 25% of participants were furloughed. Compared to those who remained working, furloughed workers were slightly less likely to be physically inactive (RR = 0.85; [95% CI 0.75-0.97]; I 2 = 59%) and did not differ overall with respect to low fruit and vegetable consumption or atypical sleep, although findings for sleep were heterogenous (I 2 = 85%). In stratified analyses, furlough was associated with lower fruit and vegetable consumption among males (RR = 1.11; [1.01-1.22]; I 2 = 0%) but not females (RR = 0.84; [0.68-1.04]; I 2 = 65%). Considering changes in quantity, furloughed workers were more likely than those who remained working to report increases in fruit and vegetable consumption, exercise, and hours of sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Those furloughed exhibited similar health behaviours to those who remained in employment during the initial stages of the pandemic. There was little evidence to suggest that adoption of such social protection policies in the post-pandemic recovery period and during future economic crises had adverse effects on population health behaviours

Assessing the status of the cod (Gadus morhua) stock in NAFO Subdivision 3Ps in 2016

The status of the cod stock in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO)  Subdivision 3Ps was assessed during a Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Regional Peer Review Process meeting held October 17-19, 2016. Total landings for the 2015-16 management year (April 1-March 31) were 6,427 t or just 48% of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC). This marks the sixth consecutive season that the TAC has not been fully taken. Survey abundance estimates from the DFO research vessel (RV) spring survey have been about average in recent years, whereas biomass estimates have generally been below average. Sentinel gillnet catch rates have been very low and stable since 1999. Sentinel linetrawl catch rates have been below average for the past six years and the 2015 catch rate was the lowest in the time series. Estimates of Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) derived from a survey-based (SURBA) cohort model increased considerably over 2009-12 but have since declined. Although the stock is currently estimated to be in the Cautious Zone (18% above Blim) as defined by the DFO Precautionary Approach (PA) Framework, the probability that the stock is in the critical zone is 0.22, which is a concern. There are further concerns that the current estimate of spawning stock biomass (SSB) could be biased as the model has overestimated SSB in recent years (i.e. the assessment has been subject to downward retrospective revisions of SSB). The current SSB is very young, composed to a large extent (46%) of 4-5 year old fish. These fish are from the strong 2011 and 2012 year classes that have not yet fully matured. Estimated total mortality for fish in the age range of 5-10 years is currently very high (three year average Z = 0.73), which is a large concern especially considering that reported landings have been only about half of the TACs over this time period. Short-term projections of the stock were not performed due to concerns related to variability in the survey data, the strong directional retrospective pattern in model estimates, and the unavailability of recent estimates of commercial fish weights-at-age. However, it is generally noted that biomass of the stock is likely to decline sharply in the coming years if the current high mortality rate persists.L'état du stock de morue dans la sous-division 3Ps de l’Organisation des pêches de l'Atlantique Nord-Ouest (OPANO) a fait l'objet d'une évaluation lors d'une réunion du processus régional d'examen par les pairs de Pêches et Océans Canada (MPO) qui s'est tenue du 17 au 19 octobre 2016 Les débarquements de l'année de gestion de 2015-2016 (du 1er avril au 31 mars) ont totalisé 6 427 tonnes, ce qui représente seulement 48 % du total autorisé des captures (TAC). Il s'agit de la sixième saison consécutive où le TAC n'est pas atteint. Au cours des dernières années, les estimations de l'abondance selon le relevé par navire de recherche mené au printemps par le MPO équivalaient à peu près aux moyennes, tandis que les estimations de la biomasse étaient généralement inférieures à la moyenne. Depuis 1999, les taux de prise des pêches sentinelles au filet maillant sont très faibles et stables. Depuis six ans, les taux de prise des pêches sentinelles à la palangre sont inférieurs à la moyenne. L'année 2015 est celle où le taux de prise a été le plus faible. Les estimations de la biomasse du stock reproducteur (BSR) calculées à partir d'un modèle de cohorte basé sur les relevés (SURBA) ont augmenté de façon importante au cours de la période 2009-2012, mais ont connu un déclin depuis. Bien que le stock se situe actuellement dans la zone de prudence (18 % au-dessus de la valeur Blim) définie par le cadre de l'approche de précaution du MPO, la probabilité que le stock tombe dans la zone critique est de 0,22, ce qui est préoccupant. D'autres préoccupations existent quant au fait que l'estimation actuelle de la BSR pourrait être biaisée, car le modèle a surestimé la BSR au cours des dernières années (c.-à-d., l'évaluation a fait l'objet de révisions rétrospectives à la baisse de la BSR). La BSR actuelle est très jeune et composée en grande partie (46 %) de poissons de 4 à 5 ans. Ces poissons sont tirés des fortes classes d'âge de 2011 et de 2012 qui n'ont pas encore atteint leur pleine maturité. La mortalité totale estimée des poissons âgés de 5 à 10 ans est actuellement très élevée (moyenne sur trois ans; Z = 0,73), ce qui constitue une grande préoccupation étant donné que les débarquements déclarés représentaient environ la moitié du TAC durant cette période. Les projections à court terme du stock n'ont pas été effectuées en raison de préoccupations liées à la variabilité dans les données d'enquête, de la forte tendance rétrospective directionnelle dans les estimations modélisées, et de la non-disponibilité de récentes estimations des poids selon l'âge des poissons commerciaux. Il convient toutefois de noter qu'en général, la biomasse du stock est susceptible de diminuer de façon marquée au cours des prochaines années si les taux de mortalité élevés actuels persistent

Assessing the status of the cod (Gadus morhua) stock in NAFO Subdivision 3Ps in 2015

The status of the cod stock in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Subdivision 3Ps was assessed during a Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Regional Peer Review Process meeting held October 20-22, 2015. Stock status was updated based upon information collected up to spring 2015. Principal sources of information available for the assessment were: a time series of abundance and biomass indices from Canadian winter/spring research vessel (RV) bottom trawl surveys, inshore sentinel surveys, science logbooks from vessels 35 ft., reported landings from commercial fisheries, oceanographic data, and tagging studies. Despite short-term projections for stock growth, there is reason for concern for 3Ps cod going forward. Although recruitment has recently been good, mortality is very high and hence the long-term contribution of these year classes to the fishery and spawning biomass is still uncertain. The spawning biomass is composed almost entirely of young fish, with the current age at maturity being the lowest recorded in the time series. Recent biological data suggest fish growth rates are low and that fish condition is poor. In recent years, cod in 3Ps have been feeding heavily on lipid-poor prey such as snow crab and other invertebrates. The combination of these biological data with the recent rise of warm-water species such as white hake is suggestive of broad changes in the 3Ps ecosystem and perhaps reduced cod productivity.L’état du stock de morue de la sous-division 3Ps de l’Organisation des pêches de l’Atlantique Nord-Ouest (OPANO) a fait l’objet d’une évaluation lors d’une réunion du processus régional d’examen par les pairs de Pêches et Océans Canada (MPO) tenue du 20 au 22 octobre 2015. L’état du stock a été mis à jour à partir des données recueillies jusqu’au printemps 2015. Les principales sources d’information disponibles ayant été utilisées pour l’évaluation sont : une série chronologique des indices d’abondance et de biomasse obtenus à partir des relevés au chalut de fond effectués à l’hiver et au printemps par un navire de recherche canadien, des relevés par pêches sentinelles côtières, les journaux de bord scientifiques des navires de moins de 35 pi, les journaux de bord des navires de plus de 35 pi, les débarquements déclarés des pêches commerciales, des données océanographiques et des études de marquage. Malgré les prévisions à court terme, qui laissent présager une croissance du stock, il y a lieu de se préoccuper de la morue de la sous-division 3Ps. En dépit du recrutement adéquat ces dernières années, le taux de mortalité est très élevé. Ainsi, la contribution à long terme de ces classes d’âge pour la pêche et la BSR demeure précaire. La BSR est presque entièrement composée de jeunes poissons, et l’âge de maturité actuel est celui le moins élevé parmi ceux enregistrés dans la série chronologique. Les données biologiques récentes donnent à penser que les taux de croissance du poisson sont faibles et que celui-ci est en mauvais état. Ces dernières années, la morue de la sous-division 3Ps s’est essentiellement alimentée de proies peu riches en lipides telles que le crabe des neiges et d’autres invertébrés. Ces données biologiques, combinées à l’essor récent des espèces d’eau chaude comme la merluche blanche, laissent présager que l’écosystème de la sous-division 3Ps subira des changements importants et que la productivité de la morue pourrait diminuer

Doers of the word: an enquiry into the nature of action in action learning

A recent trend in public policy in many countries is the requirement for 'joined up thinking' and 'joined up working', including partnership within and between agencies, and between agencies and their publics. This in turn has led to a growth of interest in action learning as a means to bring about the organizational and individual development required for implementing such policies. Action learning, with its emphasis on solving new problems, implementing solutions and learning-to-learn seems to fit the zeitgeist. However, the notion of 'action' in action learning has presented a real difficulty in administering action learning sets in this context. Commencing from a philosophical point of view that emphasises the identity of action and learning, rather than their separation, we report here on three such public sector action learning projects and identify three fundamental features of the action which took place in and around them. Thus: action can occur either inside or outside the set; while it is always an input to the learning process, it can also sometimes be regarded as an output of that process; and finally, the type of knowledge that can be acquired may be in Gilbert Ryle's terms either 'knowledge how' or 'knowledge that'. Five categories of action are identified: expressive action, concerned with feelings and relationships in the set; the enrichment of networks and local knowledge; changes in personal practice; collective action; and organisational change. While organisational change may be regarded as, in one sense, 'the big prize' of action learning, it should not blind us to more subtle processes of learning and change that occur

The UK Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and diet, physical activity, and sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from eight longitudinal population surveys

Background: In March 2020, the UK implemented the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough) to minimise job losses. Our aim was to investigate associations between furlough and diet, physical activity, and sleep during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We analysed data on 25,092 participants aged 16–66 years from eight UK longitudinal studies. Changes in employment, including being furloughed, were based on employment status before and during the first lockdown. Health behaviours included fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and sleep. Study-specific estimates obtained using modified Poisson regression, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and pre-pandemic health and health behaviours, were statistically pooled using random effects meta-analysis. Associations were also stratified by sex, age, and education. Results: Across studies, between 8 and 25% of participants were furloughed. Compared to those who remained working, furloughed workers were slightly less likely to be physically inactive (RR = 0.85; [95% CI 0.75–0.97]; I 2 = 59%) and did not differ overall with respect to low fruit and vegetable consumption or atypical sleep, although findings for sleep were heterogenous (I 2 = 85%). In stratified analyses, furlough was associated with lower fruit and vegetable consumption among males (RR = 1.11; [1.01–1.22]; I 2 = 0%) but not females (RR = 0.84; [0.68–1.04]; I 2 = 65%). Considering changes in quantity, furloughed workers were more likely than those who remained working to report increases in fruit and vegetable consumption, exercise, and hours of sleep. Conclusions: Those furloughed exhibited similar health behaviours to those who remained in employment during the initial stages of the pandemic. There was little evidence to suggest that adoption of such social protection policies in the post-pandemic recovery period and during future economic crises had adverse effects on population health behaviours

Additional file 4 of The UK Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and smoking, alcohol consumption and vaping during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from eight longitudinal population surveys

Additional file 4. Stratified Analysis (Forest plots). Figure set 1 16 31. Currently drinks 4+ days/week or 5+ drinks/occasion. Figure set 2 17 32. Increased alcohol consumption. Figure set 3 18 33. Reduced alcohol consumption. Figure set 4 19 34. Drinks 5+ drinks/occasion. Figure set 5 20 35. Drinks more alcohol units per occasion. Figure set 6 21 36. Drinks fewer alcohol units per occasion. Figure set 7 22 37. Currently drinks 4+ days/week. Figure set 8 23 38. Drinks more frequently. Figure set 9 24 39: Drinks less frequently. Figure set 10 25 40. Current smoker. Figure set 11 26 41. Smoking more. Figure set 12 27 42. Smoking less. Figure set 13 28 43. Current vaper. Figure set 14 29 44. Vaping more. Figure set 15 30 45. Vaping less

Additional file 3 of The UK Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and smoking, alcohol consumption and vaping during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from eight longitudinal population surveys

Additional file 3. Meta-Analysis. Table 1. Main analysis excluding studies with ≤5 cell counts for exposure-outcome. Table 2. Main analysis excluding studies with ≤2 cell counts for exposure-outcome. Table 3. Main analysis excluding studies with zero cell counts for exposure-outcome. Table 4. Analysis of change excluding studies with ≤ 5 cell counts. Table 5. Analysis of change excluding studies with ≤ 2 cell counts. Table 6. Analysis of change excluding studies with zero cell counts. Figure set 1. Currently drinks 4+ days/week or 5+ drinks/occasion. Figure set 2. Increased alcohol consumption. Figure set 3. Reduced alcohol consumption. Figure set 4. Currently drinks 5+ drinks/occasion. Figure set 5. Drinks more alcohol units per occasion. Figure set 6. Drinks fewer alcohol units per occasion. Figure set 7. Currently drinks 4+ days/week. Figure set 8. Drinks more frequently. Figure set 9. Drinks less frequently. Figure set 10. Current smoker. Figure set 11. Smoking more. Figure set 12. Smoking less. Figure set 13. Current vaper. Figure set 14. Vaping more. Figure set 15. Vaping less

Additional file 1 of The UK Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and smoking, alcohol consumption and vaping during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from eight longitudinal population surveys

Additional file 1: Table S1. Description of Studies. Table S2. Ethics and data access statements for each study. Table S3. Sample characteristics by study. Table S4. Employment status change by sex, education, and age-group. Table S5. Meta-analysed risk ratios and heterogeneity estimates for associations between changes in employment status and drinking behaviour: unadjusted, basic & full adjustment results. Table S6. Meta-analysed risk ratios and heterogeneity estimates for associations between changes in employment status and smoking: unadjusted, basic & full adjustment results. Table S7. Meta-analysed risk ratios and heterogeneity estimates for associations between changes in employment status and vaping: unadjusted, basic & full adjustment results. Figure S8. Causal pathways blocked under differing levels of adjustment