Who Is Paying The Price For Lockdown?

Tricky is the place to discuss difficult questions away from the bear pit of social media. Gaming journalist Jordan Middler, poet Iona Lee, drag queen Lawrence Chaney and visual artist Sekai Machache discuss lockdown. As restrictions tighten again across the UK we ask if young people are being blamed for the latest surge in cases of COVID 19 while also suffering the most economic hardship. The first lockdown devastated hospitality and retail as well as the arts and entertainment sectors, all areas where young people form the majority of the workforce and it seems the worst is yet to come. While schemes like ‘Eat Out To Help Out’ encouraged everyone to get back out it’s young people’s ‘house parties’ and pub visits that seem to have been singled out as one of the main reasons for these latest restrictions - is that fair? Our panel discuss how confusing and seemingly contradictory messages have left us unsure about what we can and can’t do, with the result that the finger of blame is pointed firmly at the younger generation. Producers: Myles Bonnar and Peter McManus Editor: Anthony Browne A BBC Scotland production for Radio 4