The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) published the results of its flagship annual PR and Communications Census, which offers a comparative snapshot of the industry before and after the pandemic based on research from March to October.

The data gathered in March reveals that the industry was on course for another year of growth, having employed a 97,300 before the pandemic struck, compared to the tough economic realities of the post-pandemic, with more than a third of respondents admitting to redundancies in their companies.

The 2020 census also shows the challenges facing the industry’s attempt to become more racially equitable. While the number of black or ethnically diverse professionals has increased by 2% compared to last year, professionals from these backgrounds usually tend to occupy junior roles, with 88% managed directors identify as white British. The data reveals broader diversity and social mobility problems, for example the number of PR professionals who attended fee paying schools is three times the national average.

“The effects of the pandemic offer our industry the opportunity to reset our approach to diversity. For too long, our industry has recruited and promoted in its own image. There is genuine appetite for change amongst business leaders and our industry must seize this opportunity. There is no place for unethical cultures that tolerate inequality; next year will see the launch of our new diversity module within the CMS designed to raise standards across the industry,” says PRCA director general Francis  Ingham.

In the post-Covid-19 data gathered, there is also a higher emotional cost on the PR industry, with more than a third of professionals admitting to having suffered from or been diagnosed with mental health problems. Covid-19 has led to a 15% increase of people working out of hours, which also contributes to the overall stress of the period.

Finally, the Census reports a concerning rise in the gender pay gap, which grew from 14% in 2019 to 15% in March 2020