Increased deaths, rising depression and anxiety levels and growing loneliness coupled with job insecurity have taken their toll on well-being during the pandemic, according to a new OECD study. Recovery policies focused on the most vulnerable and centred on well-being are key.

Effective measures have helped France recover well from the recession triggered by the pandemic – but a rigorous implementation of the government’s Recovery and Investment Plans will help build a greener, more digital and more resilient economy.

More than 6 out of 10 OECD citizens believe their government should do more to reduce income differences between rich and poor – but opinion on its extent and how it should be tackled is divided.

Excess deaths of 2.5 million in OECD countries, delayed healthcare and adverse impacts on mental health are all consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, underlining the need to strengthen health system resilience, according to the latest OECD report.