In every issue of The Bottom Line, we will ask students for their thoughts on a particular topic.
What do you think will be the chief concern on everyone’s mind in 2022?
Grace Tighe
Banking, Insurance and Aviation Finance Associate, PwC
Over the past two years, the chief concern on everyone’s mind has been the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has changed the way we work, learn and interact with others.
As we move into 2022, it’s unfair to say that the coronavirus pandemic will take a back seat. However, based on the UNs latest climate change report, it is clear climate change and the environment is going to have to be the main concern for governments, companies, and individuals in 2022. We must all work together to make conscious decisions to reduce C02 emissions and create a cleaner, safer, greener world for everyone.
Jonty Craine
Audit Associate, Deloitte
While I’d love to say that society’s chief concerns will be the likes of environmental conservation, eliminating world poverty, or ending modern slavery, I don’t think this would be an accurate representation.
In reality, few of us have dramatically altered our lives in pursuit of a solution to these problems (apart from the occasional Instagram awareness post). Instead, we’re largely concerned with the happiness of our families, friends and ourselves. This is by no means a criticism – I think it’s a justified response to almost two years of relationships and experiences limited by the global pandemic. For a lot of people, myself included, this is founded on the hope for a return to normality and certainty. However, I fear that this desire for certainty is unattainable. As such, it is likely that the chief concern on everyone’s mind in 2022 will be catalysed by an unpredictable event.
Nifemi Ogunbiyi
Assurance Associate, PwC
After the challenging backdrop of COVID-19, there appears to be several concerns in the minds of different individuals.
With the recent 13-year high inflation of 3.7%, I believe one of the concerns for numerous people in 2022 is the rising cost-of-living. However, Budget 2022 presents strategies to lessen this concern such as increasing both the standard rate band and tax credits. A major concern for businesses made vulnerable due to COVID-19 is whether support will be provided to them in the transition into a post-pandemic era. In the Minister for Finance’s Budget address, this concern was highlighted and alleviated with the introduction of the extension of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) until April 2022. In my opinion, although we approach 2022 with concerns relating to economic regeneration, with plans such as Budget 2022, it is our hope these concerns will be minimised.
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