Job losses begin as young see their lives 'put on hold'

Boris Johnson has urged businesses to "stand by your employees" but for many the damage has already been done, with a number of employers having announced redundancies this week.

Rebecca Ellis, 25, lives in Sheffield and lost her job as an assessment team support officer in the education sector as a result of the virus.

Ms Ellis said she is ‘trying to keep busy’ by continuing a legal secretary course she enrolled in after Christmas, but has seen her future plans scuppered already.

"I had a mortgage appointment this coming weekend, which I've had to cancel as I have no income now," Ms Ellis told the PA news agency.

"I'm living with my fiance's parents at the moment.

"We got engaged in August last year, we were planning on setting the date for early next year.

"Our plan for the next year was for me to get a job, then we get our own house, then we get married and eventually have a family.

"This year felt like everything was falling into place and now I am back to square one."

Ms Ellis said that she will look for temporary work in the meantime, with social media users suggesting supermarkets and hospitals might be looking for staff.

Have you lost your job because of the coronavirus crisis? If so, please email [email protected].