MSPs are to investigate how the pandemic and lockdown have impacted ethnic minorities, women, children and older and disabled people.

Holyrood’s Equalities and Human Rights Committee is gathering views on the consequences of the virus and the response from public bodies.

An inquiry has been launched to identify which groups and individuals have been “disproportionately affected” during the crisis.

Committee convener Ruth Maguire MSP said everyone’s lives have changed “immeasurably” as a result of the pandemic.

She added: “We are acutely aware, however, that some groups are experiencing disproportionately negative impacts of the virus and some of the responses to it.

“For example, we have heard reports that individuals from particular ethnic minorities are being hospitalised at higher rates than the general population, while women and young people are among those most exposed to increased risk as they are disproportionately likely to be key workers.

“Meanwhile, women, children, older and disabled people are among the most impacted by the lockdown restrictions, due to the lack of support available.”

Ms Maguire said the purpose of the inquiry is to ensure “hard-fought rights” are prominent in the response to the crisis.

“The Committee acknowledges that this is a fast-moving situation, and so is keen to hear what issues need to be addressed urgently and those that will need to be monitored and reviewed in the medium to longer-term,” she said.

Meanwhile Holyrood’s Education and Skills Committee will examine the impact of the crisis on children, focusing on school closures and wellbeing of vulnerable young people.

Committee Convener, Clare Adamson MSP said the potential impact of the current measures could not be ignored.

“Those living in poverty and deprivation as well as those with additional support needs may not be getting the support and services they most desperately need,” she said.

“Our committee wants to find out what more needs to be done to ensure that none of these children’s needs are missed as a result of this crisis.”

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