Essential workers/ working class- Idea Research

" Throughout the pandemic, key workers have stayed at work and kept essential industries going. Despite the vital work they do, many are also not getting paid enough. Four out of ten key workers earn less than £10 per hour. Nearly two-thirds are women, and 2.5 million of them earn less than £10 an hour."

"Working class women are carrying the burden of the extra physical and emotional labour being generated by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a new research project led by Professor Tracey Warren. These women care for children, sick and frail elderly, clean buildings, cook and serve food, administer institutions and staff shops, while retaining major responsibility for domestic work and caring at home"

."The Women's Budget Group (WBG) highlighted that 2.5 million of the 3.2 million workers employed in the highest risk roles during the pandemic are women, many in low-paid roles. There is little detailed attention to their experiences and needs and how to urgently support them in their essential work". Nottingham University"

Above are some snippets of research on line looking into the key workers during the pandemic.

 Looking at the privilege aspect of the brief, in a current political  context. While reflecting on the past that Newstead as well as lots of other country houses were built on the spoils of the slave trade and exportation of exotic goods.

Some people in positions of privilege have gained financial reward off the back of the corona virus pandemic while the working class essential workers have kept the ship afloat for little financial reward.

Looking into the class divide, women workers and minority workers. is the past any different from the future?

The " worker ant" could be the mascot for this project. Workers ants and also usually female.

A little more info below..and a few screen grabs of ants for drawing later..

"Worker ant

1. 

a person or thing that works, usually at a specific job

a good worker

a research worker

2. 

an employee in an organization, as opposed to an employer or manager

3. 

a manual labourer or other employee working in a manufacturing or other industry

4. 

any other member of the working class

5. 

a sterile female member of a colony of bees, ants, or wasps that forages for food, cares for the larvae, etc" Collins dictionary definition

"Ant Symbolism and Meaning

"Ants live everywhere on Earth and thrive in most ecosystems. Their ability to modify habitats, exploit resources, and defend themselves made them successful in different environments.  

The ants’ colonies, known as anthills, are some of the most impressive structures found in nature and are good examples of structured organizations. The ant is a symbol of industrial creativity and dynamism."world bird ( nature website)"