THE Tory Government has been forced to remove a "horrifically sexist" advert that asked women to stay at home to clean and homeschool children after backlash on social media.

The advert, which advises the nation to "stay home and save lives" shows four illustrations: a couple relaxing on the sofa, a woman ironing, a woman homeschooling her two children and a woman teaching her daughter how to perform household chores.

The image, which went viral across Twitter and Instagram on Wednesday, has been described by women on social media as "absolutely ridiculous" and "like a scene from the 1950s".

The advert was originally posted on the Government's Facebook page but has since been deleted.

A UK Government spokesperson said: "This infographic does not reflect the Government's view and has been removed from the campaign."

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It comes as a poll conducted last year found women, young adults and parents are finding it hardest to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

READ MORE: Why women and parents finding it hardest to cope with coronavirus

The Ipsis Mori findings show more than 60% are finding it “harder to stay positive about the future”, compared to the period before the outbreak.

But that percentage spikes when the data is broken down by sex, with more than 70% of women struggling to remain optimistic, compared with 50% of men.

Those with at least one child aged 17 or under in the household also have a bleaker view of the future, with 70% saying they are struggling.

That compares with 60% of those without children at home.